Pastor William D. Smart

Op-Ed: Time to Hold Corporate Giants Like McKinsey Accountable for Opioid Crisis

Pastor William D. Smart, Contributing WriterMarch 2, 2022

Fentanyl-laced deaths are in the news daily, and I know families impacted by opioid addiction and tragic loss of life from fentanyl fueled deaths. However, with all of this tragedy, we have yet to see the corporations responsible for this epidemic be held in full account. It is time to stand up for the bad actors of corporate America and make sure they are held accountable for the devastation that resulted in those decisions that focused only on getting rich men richer.

Opinion Religion

At this crucial time PMBs can help lower the cost for the venerable

Pastor William Smart Jr., Co-Pastor Christ Liberation MinistriesMarch 10, 2021

Co-Pastor Christ Liberation Ministries, William Smart Jr., dissects the functionality of Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and how they negotiate on our behalf to reduce the cost and burden caused by pricey medications and they are doing this all day every day.

Education Op-Ed

Reparations in Education and Re-Imagining Our Stories: Appoint Dr. Melina Abdullah as the Inaugural Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies Cal State LA -The People’s Choice!

Pastors William and Thembekila SmartAugust 6, 2020

Clergy for Black Lives, a collective of clergy members from throughout Southern California, sent a letter to California State University, Los Angeles (CSU Los Angeles) President, William Covino, on July 11, 2020 to inquire as to his reasoning for not appointing Dr. Melina Abdullah as the Inaugural Dean of the College of Ethnic Studies, the second College of Ethnic Studies in the nation. President Covino responded on July 13, 2020, stating that he was not on campus and could not address personnel matters.

Crenshaw & Around Local News News (Business)Real Estate

Local civil rights leaders protest to stop CIM from purchasing Baldwin Hills Mall.

Khari Jones, Jr. Contributing WriterJune 11, 2020

Local civil rights organizations protested in front of the Baldwin Hills Mall to send a message to CIM that they do not approve their purchase of the plaza. Recently, CIM bought the plaza and the community is concerned about what their plans are.

Op-Ed Opinion

A New Leader for the LACCD Board of Trustees? There’s Only One Choice

Rev. William D. Smart & Laphonza ButlerJuly 10, 2017

When the Los Angeles Community College Board of Trustees elects its new President next week, they have a chance to make a statement–they can elect a leader who both looks like and understands the students the district serves.

Why is it important? The new President will become the face of the district, and with nearly four out of five students coming from minority backgrounds, that face should reflect the composition of the colleges. That’s why we are urging the LACCD Board of Trustees to elevate Sydney Kamlager-Dove to its presidency.

Op-Ed Opinion

Keep Moving in the Fight for Economic Justice

Pastor William D. SmartFebruary 8, 2017

On May 17, 1957, Martin Luther King Jr. traveled to Washington, D.C., for the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom. On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. King delivered his “Give Us the Ballot” speech in which he remarked, “Keep moving. Let nothing slow you up. Move on with dignity and honor and respectability.”