The Ithaca Journal, March 7, 2006, Tuesday

The Ithaca Journal
March 7, 2006, Tuesday

Ithaca woman has spirit of Harriet Tubman
By DARISE JEAN-BAPTISTEJournal Staff
http://theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060307/NEWS01/603070318/1002

ITHACA - All you have to do is ask.
Simply spoken, those words summarize Martha Smith's outlook on community involvement, civic engagement and old-fashioned friend-making.

Smith, 61, is the recipient of this year's New York State Governor's Harriet Tubman Spirit Award. The award is given to “a person who reflects the desire to improve the world through their tireless commitment, humanitarian service and daily efforts to help others,” according to Gov. George Pataki.

“To have the spirit that Harriet Tubman had, she must have had to never tire, never give up,” Smith said.
A ceremony in honor of Smith's achievement will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at St. James AME Zion Church, 116 Cleveland Avenue. Friday will mark the 93rd anniversary of Tubman's death.
As Tubman conducted hundreds of slaves to freedom, Smith said she has helped bring those battling “the slavery of ignorance — or not wanting to do anything — to the freedom of knowing you can do whatever you want to do.”
Smith grew up in segregated Arkansas, but it wasn't until after she moved to Oakland, Calif. that she realized the differences of access and rights for blacks.
“At the time, we didn't know we didn't have access to a lot of things,” she said. “Growing up in segregation, you thought that was the way it was everywhere.”
Working and attending California State University part-time for seven years, Smith finally graduated in 1969 with a bachelor's degree in English. She was the first in her family to graduate from college.
“I was proud because I know my mother wasn't able to send me to school,” she said.
Following a series of promotions from secretary to student advisor at Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations Office of Career Services, Smith has been able to help numerous students critique resumes and prepare for jobs. But the link between Smith and local youth was first formed when she became a member of Club Essence.
Drawn to the club by the friendliness of one of its founding members, Jennie Graham, Smith joined in 1978 and is now co-president. Club Essence is a social and civic organization that focuses on empowering youth.
“Club Essence has been a big part of my reaching out to the community. Because the ladies of Club Essence are in so many other organizations, it really makes a difference,” Smith said.
Two women from New York City who saw a need to spark action and form fellowship among other African American women in the area formed the club in 1973. Club Essence currently has 12 members, five of whom live in other states, Smith said.
Although Club Essence isn't as active as it was in previous years, it continues to work with Ithaca High School each year in awarding students of color scholarships based on academic achievement, as well as need and community involvement.
Fellow club member Pam Jenkins-Smiley met Smith in the 1970s while working at ILR. Jenkins-Smiley said she easily formed a friendship with someone who has taught her to be patient and to be giving with no strings attached.
“I know she's there for people,” Jenkins-Smiley said.
Well-known for making Jell-O for the sick or going to the homes of the elderly to trim the bushes, Smith's outgoing and helpful spirit make her an asset to the community, Jenkins-Smiley said.
Smith is also a member of the Calvary Baptist Church choir and VOICES Multicultural Community Chorus.
“I call her the ‘Energizer Bunny,'” Jenkins-Smiley said.
In August 2004, Smith was forced to slow down and retire from her position at Cornell after learning she had a brain tumor. A successful recovery enabled Smith to return to work part-time months later.
To be able to reach one person through her various roles in the community, Smith said she knows her efforts are working. Smith said she attributes her accomplishments to “the cooperation of others in the community and the skills and talent that God has given me.”
Looking forward to Friday's award ceremony, there is no question why there is need for celebration.
“All the excitement is proof that anybody I ever had any contact with is interested in helping young people realize they can do better,” Smith said.
Contact: djeanbap@ithacajournal.com
Originally published March 7, 2006