Emergency Legal and Housing Fund
Donation protected
Sharon Smith is an Indigenous (Saponi/Mohawk) and Black woman. She is a life-long, front-line warrior against settler colonialism and white supremacy in America. She is an educator, artist, poet, abolitionist and a grandmother. Raised as a Quaker, Sharon is well known for her anti-racism ministry among Quakers from New England to Southern Appalachia. She has been affiliated with Asheville Friends Meeting (Quakers) and Asheville Black Lives Matter since she arrived in Asheville almost four years ago
On March 16th, 2018, Sharon was arrested, in a Racial Equity Institute training on systemic racism—for speaking. She was arrested and criminally charged for not obeying a questionable Racial Equity Institute policy that, alumni are not allowed to speak during training sessions. She said she did not obey the policy, because, as an elder woman of color, and the only Native person in the room, with more knowledge and experience than the trainers, she should have been allowed to speak from her experience. However, when she opened her mouth to answer a question posed by one of the trainers, she was told to be quiet or leave. When she said she would not leave, another REI alumna called security who in turn called the police. Thus enacting a perfect textbook scenario of what NOT to do, in a racially charged situation. Since then, REI has doubled down on their defenses by trying to discredit and defame Sharon Smith’s character.
As a result of her arrest and subsequent political and legal issues, Sharon Smith was asked to vacate her current living situation, where she has lived for the past three and a half years--within 30 days. Not only have these events triggered physical and mental trauma for her, but financial hardship as well. Who can find affordable housing in Asheville NC within 30 days?
Until now, Sharon has not had to pay rent, as she was hosted by a Quaker, but now this Quaker wants her house back. Because this is an emergency situation, Asheville Black Lives Matter is asking for $6000 in this GoFundMe appeal to help Sharon Smith with moving and legal expenses.
Sharon Smith has shown up for racial justice every single day of her 60 plus years, and now we need to show her what community support looks like. We are thankful for any and all donations and look forward to seeing you on the lines showing up for truth, justice and liberation.
Sincerely,
Asheville Black Lives Matter
On March 16th, 2018, Sharon was arrested, in a Racial Equity Institute training on systemic racism—for speaking. She was arrested and criminally charged for not obeying a questionable Racial Equity Institute policy that, alumni are not allowed to speak during training sessions. She said she did not obey the policy, because, as an elder woman of color, and the only Native person in the room, with more knowledge and experience than the trainers, she should have been allowed to speak from her experience. However, when she opened her mouth to answer a question posed by one of the trainers, she was told to be quiet or leave. When she said she would not leave, another REI alumna called security who in turn called the police. Thus enacting a perfect textbook scenario of what NOT to do, in a racially charged situation. Since then, REI has doubled down on their defenses by trying to discredit and defame Sharon Smith’s character.
As a result of her arrest and subsequent political and legal issues, Sharon Smith was asked to vacate her current living situation, where she has lived for the past three and a half years--within 30 days. Not only have these events triggered physical and mental trauma for her, but financial hardship as well. Who can find affordable housing in Asheville NC within 30 days?
Until now, Sharon has not had to pay rent, as she was hosted by a Quaker, but now this Quaker wants her house back. Because this is an emergency situation, Asheville Black Lives Matter is asking for $6000 in this GoFundMe appeal to help Sharon Smith with moving and legal expenses.
Sharon Smith has shown up for racial justice every single day of her 60 plus years, and now we need to show her what community support looks like. We are thankful for any and all donations and look forward to seeing you on the lines showing up for truth, justice and liberation.
Sincerely,
Asheville Black Lives Matter
Organizer
Sharon Smith
Organizer
Asheville, NC
