Kimberly Smitherman

Kimberly’s journey into civil rights activism began when she met the late 1965 foot soldier Jo Ann Bland and worked as Managing Director at her touring agency, Journeys for the Soul and as Community Liaison at the National Voting Rights Museum. She was introduced to the stories of individual foot soldiers like Ms. Bland and the history of voting rights, and began to draw the parallels between the challenges the Black community faced back then, what she dealt with as a younger person and the experiences of Black residents in Selma today. The fearless activism and determination of Selma’s foot soldiers have not only inspired her, but also shaped her own purpose as a community leader and activist. Since co-founding Foot Soldiers Park with Ms. Bland, she has dedicated herself to preserving Selma’s civil rights history and ensuring that the next generation of Black leaders are supported and equipped to dream, lead and thrive.

With a leadership philosophy that revolves around justice, collaboration, and the belief that positive change starts from within the community, she is committed to nurturing and leveraging the wisdom and lived experiences of Selma’s Black community to strengthen the economy, build opportunities and create sustainable solutions for transformation and prosperity.

Kimberly’s deep expertise in grassroots organizing, community building, and civic education and engagement were recognized in 2025, when she received a distinguished leadership award from Delta Sigma Theta’s Selma alumnae chapter for her longtime commitment to Selma and its residents.

She holds a deep appreciation for education and the power of informed and engaged citizens. She believes that providing residents with access to learning, resources and tools can open doors, shift perceptions and instill a sense of civic duty that can help shape Selma’s future. Her lived experience as a Selma resident, a foot soldier’s descendant, a mother and fearless leader allows her to center the needs of the community and focus her efforts on developing strategies that lead to lasting change.

She currently serves on the Alabama Forward Board of Directors. She enjoys participating in panels, staying engaged with other leaders and contributing to the broader racial and social justice movement.

Outside of her extensive work at Foot Soldiers Park, Kimberly loves to spend quality time with her two sons.