CBCF mourns death of Barbara Elaine Smith
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) has issued a statement to mourn the passing of Barbara Elaine Smith, better known as “B. Smith”.
Barbara, a restaurateur, author, and former fashion model, died of Alzheimer’s disease at age 70.
Smith was a host for the Celebration of Leadership in the Fine Arts program during CBCF’s Annual Legislative Conference (ALC). She also served as an ALC presenter and regular attendee of the Phoenix Awards dinner.
“B. Smith was a friend to CBCF,” said Tonya Veasey, CBCF’s interim president and CEO.
“She enthusiastically supported our Leadership Institute’s Congressional Internship Program as well as the Annual Legislative Conference,” he added.
“We honor her numerous contributions to American life and the global black community. She will be greatly missed and we send our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones,” he concluded.
Smith began her career as a model participating in the Ebony Fashion Fair and became the first African American model to be featured on the cover of Mademoiselle magazine. She went on to appear on multiple television programs and in an off-Broadway play. Smith also hosted a syndicated television program, ‘B. Smith With Style’, and authored three books.