I don't have many certainties. In fact, even those certainties ain't really certainties—more like a small number of ever-evolving considerations. I believe we all stumble and soar as we expand into larger versions of ourselves. I believe that, on that journey, we experience and share much beauty and injury. I believe everyone is fragile (even the ones who made you fragile). I believe in reflection and growth. I believe that everyone (who wants to) can be redeemed. I believe that some things aren't meant to be redeemed. Some things are vital to the essence of your unique imprint. I write fiction and design learning spaces that explore these considerations.

WRITING

Té V. Smith is a Nigerian-American educator, writer, and youth advocate. His fiction has appeared in Tin House, Griffel, Blavity, The Dillydoun Review, and other publications. His fiction was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2025 and received the 2026 Tennessee Williams Very Short Fiction Prize. In addition to his writing, he leads workshops and lectures on creative writing, education reform, interfaith & intergenerational dialogue across the United States. Té works and writes in New Orleans, Louisiana.

YOUTH ADVOCACY

Té V. Smith's work with Be Loud Studios uses podcasting, creative writing, and storytelling to examine identity, technology, and community. At the heart of this work is a simple conviction: a firm belief that youth, especially black boys, deserve more than narrow representations shaped by media-driven stereotypes and that when young people are given space, creative tools, and trusted, they can lead transformative conversations and foster positive change. Té works with schools, community organizations, Juvenile Justice Intervention Centers, and more. Té was awarded the 2025 Restoration and Rejuvenation Initiative (R2I) Community Champion Distinguished Service Award.