Sonya Smith Named
Alabama State Chairman
of American Indian Affairs

Sonya Smith, Alabama State Chairman
of American Indian Affairs

Sonya Smith has been a follower of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. since the age of seventeen. Smith first became curious about Dr. King when she realized that a local radio station was promoting a civic leader not mentioned in her text books. The study of Dr. King has lead Smith on what she feels is a life long journey in the quest of equality for all.

Smith is known for giving back to the community through her commitment to impoverished neighborhoods. She is no stranger to hard work.

She is a volunteer with the Higher Education Partnership of Alabama, Habitat for Humanity, Sigma Alpha Sigma, Boy Scouts of America, and various other civic organizations. She is a member of the International Friendship Program, National Scholars Honor Society and the National Congress of American Indians.

Tribally, she is Cherokee Nation, Echota Cherokee Tribe of Alabama, Inc. and Wolf Clan. Smith notes some her ancestors to include Chief Red Headed Wills, for whom “Big Wills Valley” is named, a great grandfather who practiced as a medicine man and several older aunts who taught her “Indian ways”.

Smith plans to use her position with the NAACP to make a positive statement for American Indian People. It is her goal to represent her heritage with dignity, pride and respect. Her primary objective is to present issues faced by the “invisible minority”. Her emphasis will be in the area of education.