Emerging Leaders Class of 2021

LaMarr A. Smith is a native of Buffalo, NY, and is a distinguished graduate of Thomas Edison State University. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a certificate in Organizational Leadership. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and a member of the Buffalo Niagara Partnership’s “BN360,” one of the WNY region’s premier networking groups for young professionals. He is a member of Golden Key International Honour Society. He received the 2020 Outstanding Member Scholarship award from Golden Key. LaMarr completed the Westside Promise Neighborhood (WSPN) Leadership Development Program and Open Buffalo’s Justice Leadership Institute Program. 

LaMarr has created a Film Series Project called “Red, Black, and Wealth” to promote economic empowerment throughout the African-American community. He is heavily involved in social media marketing and manages the Facebook Group WNY Community Bulletin Board, which helps to promote African-American businesses, events, and news throughout WNY. The group currently has more than 17,000 members and shared vital health information during the COVID 19 pandemic. LaMarr also donated 1,000 facemasks to the nonprofit organization We Are Women Warriors to be distributed to residents throughout the Eastside of Buffalo during the height of the pandemic. 

LaMarr is a past A.C.E (American Council on Education) Student of the Year award winner and was highlighted for his scholastic achievement.  He has also received an academic scholarship from the Paramount Chapter #57 Prince Hall Order of the Eastern Star. LaMarr has volunteered with the American Heart Association, Ronald McDonald House 5K Run, Juneteenth Festival of Buffalo, Literacy Volunteers of Buffalo, The Ride for Roswell, and has shown major support to Compass House. Compass House is an organization that serves homeless youth throughout the WNY area. LaMarr has participated in various community clean ups, walks, and has donated funds to numerous nonprofit organizations throughout WNY. In 2018, LaMarr received the Men of Integrity -Making a Difference Award- from Utopian Euphoria for his heartfelt dedication to the community. 

His strength, determination, and perseverance has allowed him to flourish, care for his family, and inspire others. He is passionate about community upliftment and economic development within the African American community. The quote that continues to motivate him to succeed is by Queen Mother Karima Amin which states, “God has not called us to see through each other, but to see each other through.”