Wrongfully incarcerated for 11 years, Walter Smith
was the first person to file a formal motion seeking DNA testing from prison September 13, 1988. Denied access to the new forensic pathological testing nine times over eight years, Walter eventually got his break by and through the efforts of WBNS 10 TV News Anchor, Jerry Revish. On December 6, 1996. Walter became the 38th person exonerated and freed from prison by way of DNA.
Focused on continued education and the need for personal development, reformation, restoration and rehabilitation, Walter pursued self-education in law, health and fitness! His formal education consisted of drug and alcohol programs, sociology and an Associate’s Degree, in business management from Wilmington College. Walter is also in possession of two professional and three amateur national body building titles.
As an inspirational speaker, Walter has spoken before more than 2000 audiences touring the country, sharing his Against All Odds and Choices testimonial presentations with incarcerated individuals, adolescent middle and high school students; colleges, universities, churches, businesses and other groups across America.
Appointed by Columbus, Ohio Mayor, Michael B. Coleman, Walter sat on the African American Male Empowerment Commission which was created to focus on reducing homicides in Columbus, Ohio. Walter was also an active participant of a program created by Ohio Governor Ted Strickland which was designed to close the high school graduation and dropout rate for public school males.
Walter hosted a weekly call in radio talk show, in Columbus, Ohio called Street Soldiers. Street Soldiers was created to address issues dealing with our youth and the overall well-being of Columbus and surrounding communities. As a Radio One entity, Street Soldiers aired every Sunday evening, 7:00 PM till 9:00 PM Eastern. Street Soldiers engineered an energy, in the community, to reduce the city’s homicides to its lowest number in 16 years.
Walter’s additional commitment to the community consist of being a member of the African-American Advisory Council which focus on advising, assisting and supporting the school Superintendent on the implementation of the district’s ends policies, as they relate to African-American children. A community activist, the following awards earned by Walter clearly define his commitment to excellence towards helping others.