On Sunday, July 14th, 2024, Ayanna Smith transitioned into the ancestral realm, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire for generations to come. Ayanna’s passing on the same date as Dorothy Bolden, a fellow trailblazer in domestic worker rights, feels divinely connected, a symbol of the immense impact she made in her lifetime. Ayanna’s name, meaning “beautiful flower,” speaks to the beauty she brought into the world, not only through her work but through her love for her community, her family, and her artistry.
Ayanna’s dedication to honoring those who paved the way before her, while planting seeds for the future, was central to her work.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Ayanna was a devoted mother of five, a cherished daughter, a beloved sister, and a gifted artist. She was a Lead Organizer with the We Dream in Black – Georgia Chapter, a vital part of the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA). Through her work, Ayanna became a force for cultural organizing and community building, combining her artistic talents with a deep passion for justice and healing.
Her contributions to We Dream in Black are vast and impactful. Ayanna envisioned and created key cultural moments, including the Friendsgiving and Spirit Week activities for the Georgia Chapter. Her influence stretched beyond organizing events; she was the visionary behind the murals in Atlanta that honor Dorothy Bolden and domestic workers, ensuring their stories were visible and celebrated. Ayanna’s dedication to honoring those who paved the way before her, while planting seeds for the future, was central to her work.
Ayanna’s art and activism were intertwined, reflecting her belief in healing justice. She dedicated herself to creating community altars, wellness spaces, and initiatives that fostered strength and resilience among Black women and families. Through these spaces, she brought healing and connection, empowering others to reclaim their strength and hold onto hope. Her artistry wasn’t limited to visual mediums—Ayanna cultivated spaces where community, care, and justice intersected, using her creativity to make transformative change.
Her children, family, and extended community will remember her as the embodiment of love, care, and advocacy.
Her children, family, and extended community will remember her as the embodiment of love, care, and advocacy. Ayanna’s work was deeply personal, rooted in her commitment to expanding the rights and capacities of Black women, their families, and the communities they live in. She used her talents to lift up others, whether through organizing murals or building spaces for women to find solace and healing. Her beautiful smile, her generous spirit, and her unwavering dedication to justice will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Her beautiful smile, her generous spirit, and her unwavering dedication to justice will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Ayanna’s legacy within NDWA and We Dream in Black cannot be overstated. She was a cherished member of the Georgia Chapter, deeply admired by her fellow organizers, domestic workers, and staff across the country. Her vision and energy helped shape the culture of We Dream in Black, leaving an indelible mark on those she worked with. Ayanna’s contributions to the movement for domestic worker rights and her role in fostering community resilience through art and healing spaces will continue to inspire future generations of organizers and artists alike.
On July 14th, we lost a powerful voice, a compassionate leader, and a brilliant artist, but Ayanna’s spirit remains present in every mural, every wellness space, and every community altar she helped create. Her work will continue to ripple through the movement she loved so dearly, ensuring that her fight for justice and healing will live on.
In loving memory of Ayanna Smith, a community builder, an artist, a mother, and a Movement Ancestor. May her spirit continue to guide us in the work to which she has dedicated her life.
Her work will continue to ripple through the movement she loved so dearly, ensuring that her fight for justice and healing will live on.
