I am grateful for the opportunity to invite you to support the Youth Leadership Foundation (YLF), an organization that has spent more than three decades providing Washington, D.C., youth with the academic support, mentorship, and character formation they need to thrive.

Professor Edward C. Smith was my father. Although he was raised by a blind single mother, he always considered himself deeply privileged. That may sound surprising, but as a third-generation Washingtonian growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, he was surrounded by a community that believed in him. Teachers, neighbors, civic leaders, and public servants cared more about the promise of where he could go than the circumstances of where he began.

As my father achieved professional success—including serving as a speechwriter in the Carter White House and becoming the first African American to earn tenure at American University—he never forgot the community that had invested in him. He dedicated himself to ensuring that future generations of young Washingtonians would have the same opportunities.

That commitment led him to help establish the Tenley Achievement Program (TAP), which today is part of the Youth Leadership Foundation. He contributed far more than his name. He invested his time and energy by teaching classes, mentoring students, leading educational tours throughout Washington, fundraising, and encouraging countless young people to believe in their own potential.

For as long as I can remember, YLF has been transforming the lives of students through after-school, summer, and mentoring programs that cultivate academic excellence, strong character, and purposeful leadership.

My father passed away on March 11, 2023. Though he is no longer with us, his vision continues to live on in every student whose life is changed through YLF. As we continue this work in 2026, I remain committed to honoring his legacy by supporting the organization that meant so much to him.

This year, I have been especially encouraged by the commitment of my fellow YLF Board members. Every member of the Board has chosen to participate in the Edward C. Smith Leadership Appeal, reflecting our shared conviction that investing in the character and leadership of young people is among the most important work we can do. Their unanimous participation is a meaningful vote of confidence in both YLF's mission and my father's enduring legacy.

Our goal this year is to raise $30,000 through the campaign to sustain and expand these life-changing programs. Thanks to the generosity of many supporters, we have already secured $17,050 in pledged gifts. We are well on our way, but we still have important ground to cover. I hope you will consider helping us reach this goal by making a gift of your own.

Your support will help ensure that more young people experience the same kind of community, encouragement, and opportunity that shaped my father's life—and that continue to shape lives across Washington today.

To learn more or to make a gift, please visit www.helpingkids.org.

Thank you for your consideration and your support.

Sincerely,

Christopher Smith

Fourth-Generation Washingtonian