The New Black Panther Party sadly acknowledges the passing of an area Panther legend, Marc A. Smith, more affectionately known as “Smitty,” who passed late night after an incredible battle with cancer.

He was 75.

He was the oldest living member of the Black Panther Party on the east coast at the time of his transition.

Smith, a native Newarker, was the “quintessential” soldier, having served in the U.S. army in both the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, but with the epic Newark Rebellion of 1967, he changed affiliations and joined the people’s struggle domestically by joining the Black Panther Party.

In addition to having been a proven soldier, Smith was also an encyclopedically knowledgeable man who did much to stabilize younger Panthers in their training and development. Although he never had the title of field marshal, his comrades will agree he most certainly performed like one, recruiting new personnel all over New Jersey for his beloved party.

Long after the Party’s heyday, he continued to ground young activists in their commitments right on up until his health would no longer allow him to.

“He was both an unsung soldier and djeli (griot),” explained Zayid Muhammad who proudly cites Smith as a very important personal influence and teacher.

“He survived the two brutal wars abroad and the cointelpro wars against his party and our movement and never for a moment stopped telling like it is.

“Make no mistake about we loved this man, and are glad we were able to give him his flowers while he could actually smell them.”

The New Black Panther Party’s Newark chapter honored him with a 75th birthday party this past July 16th, a moment all involved will forever treasure.

Our most beloved Assata Shakur, his comrade in exile,

shares a birthday with Smith he would pointedly yet affectionately remind many.

Details about his funeral arrangements have not been released yet… 

Contact:

THE NEW BLACK PANTHER PARTY

NATIONAL MINISTRY OF CULTURE

PO BOX 25332, NEWARK, NJ 07101

201-602-0780

www.newblackpanther.com