Jeremiah Smith

Rosedale Freedom Project

Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

Graduated, Spring 2018

Rosedale, MS

Jeremiah Smith brings over a decade of experience leading youth organizing and educational initiatives in Mississippi. Originally from Williamsburg, Virginia, Jeremiah graduated from James Madison University in 2012. After teaching high school English in Rosedale, MS, he collaborated with students, families, and community partners to launch the Rosedale Freedom Project (RFP), a leadership program dedicated to empowering middle and high school students to become leaders in their schools, communities, and beyond.

Project: Founder and Director of Rosedale Freedom Project

During his fellowship from 2016 to 2018, Jeremiah helped grow the RFP by expanding programming in filmmaking, theater, restorative justice, and civic engagement. Under his leadership, the RFP developed strong community partnerships and mounted campaigns such as the multi-year effort to prevent the closure of Rosedale’s high school. The program’s core framework—based on Love, Education, Action, and Discipline (LEAD)—guides students to advocate for themselves and their community.

Key milestones during this time included becoming an official Freedom Project site, launching impactful oral history and photography projects, securing vital partnerships and funding, and organizing transformative educational trips to Washington, D.C., and Baltimore that connected students with advocacy and policymaking.

Looking Ahead

Today, Jeremiah serves as the Director of Programming for the Freedom Project Network, where he leads staff development, political education, program assessment, and strategy. Outside of this role, he organizes with the Memphis Tenants Union, participates in Right to the City’s Homes For All Leadership Assembly, and facilitates a weekly book club at Parchman Prison through the Mississippi Humanities Council. Jeremiah is deeply committed to political education and grassroots organizing, inspired by leaders like Bob Moses and driven to build lasting people power.