ABOUT REV. DAMON SMITH, M.Div.
Leadership Development Consultant | Social Justice Trainer | Author | Guest Lecturer | Ph.D. Student in Applied Social Justice
Rev. Damon O. Smith equips leaders, organizations, congregations, and communities to move from intention to impact through practical teaching, strategic facilitation, and justice-centered leadership development.
Licensed Minister in the State of Illinois
Ordained Minister in the Progressive National Baptist Convention
Rev. Damon O. Smith is a leadership development and social justice consultant, trainer, author, guest lecturer, faith leader, and current Ph.D. student in the Applied Social Justice Program at Dominican University. Based in Chicago, he serves as Youth Pastor and Associate Minister of Social Justice at Liberty Baptist Church of Chicago, where he leads youth ministry, teaches Baptist history, and advances multigenerational advocacy initiatives.
Known for making complex ideas accessible, Rev. Smith brings deep experience in intergovernmental affairs, civic engagement, community organizing, program development, professional coaching, and mentorship. His work bridges faith leadership, public policy, organizational strategy, and community empowerment.
His doctoral research explores the intersection of Black Liberation Theology, Jesus’ social righteousness, and Critical Race Theory, with particular attention to how faith communities and civic institutions can confront inequity while cultivating justice-centered leadership.
Affectionately known as “The Bow-Tie Baptist,” Rev. Smith has taught at the collegiate level for more than 15 years in computer science, economics, and public relations. He has also designed and led mentoring, tutoring, student engagement, and cultural programming initiatives that connect learning, leadership, and community impact.
Public officials, nonprofit leaders, congregations, corporate teams, and community stakeholders call on Rev. Smith to foster collaboration across difference, clarify strategy, and translate technical, legislative, and social issues into actionable steps.
Through consulting, training, coaching, and guest lectures, Rev. Smith helps leaders strengthen organizational capacity, expand community reach, deepen stakeholder engagement, and design strategies that are both values-driven and measurable.
“It is the client’s future; therefore, the client must be engaged in the fulfillment of their future.”
— Rev. Damon O. Smith
Awards and Honors
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2019 – Ellen & James Taylor Award in Preaching
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2017 – Fellow, Black Theological Leadership Institute, Princeton Theological Seminary
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2017 – Ellen & James Taylor Award in Preaching
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2017 – Kenilworth Union Church Urban Ministry Scholarship
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2016 – Chicago Defender Man of Excellence Honoree
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2015 – Excellence in Preaching Award, Business & Professional Club
Appointments and Leadership Roles
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2018–2023 – Outreach Director, Bud Billiken Day Parade
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2016–Present – Chairman, 3rd Ward Pastors & Ministers Alliance
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2014–2019 – Chaplain, Chicago Area Morehouse College Alumni Association
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2014–Present – Publicity & Events Committee Chair, Xi Lambda Chapter, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
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2013–2024 – Outreach Director, Chicago Football Classic
