“When your life teaches,
Your heart sings, and
Your soul writes,”
you have become acquainted with the passions of Arlette Miller Smith.
For the final week of Black Heritage Month, we proudly celebrate Dr. Arlette Miller Smith—not just as a scholar, administrator, creative, advocate, and mentor, but as a cherished friend of our organization.
As Professor Emeritus at St. John Fisher University, Dr. Miller Smith has dedicated her life to preserving and uplifting African American culture, literature, and life. Through her mentorship, advocacy, and scholarship, Dr. Miller Smith has guided countless students, fostered inclusivity in education, and helped ensure that African American voices are known, heard, and celebrated.
Beyond academia, in 1995, she founded AKOMA, Rochester’ New York’s African American Women’s Choir, a group that embodies strength, unity, and resilience through vocal music and the spoken word. Her leadership in education, literature, and the arts has left an indelible mark on our community and our organization.
We are honored to celebrate Dr. Arlette Miller Smith’s remarkable impact. Learn more about her journey here:
Democrat and Chronicle, Black History Profile: Arlette Miller Smith
Fisher’s Commencement to Honor Class of 2021, Prolific Members of the Campus Community