Ms. Kim Smith

Kim D. Smith has held a lifelong interest in music, especially the piano, dating back to when she was taught by her first music teacher, Ms. Mary Frances Early—the first African American graduate of the University of Georgia. Ms. Smith’s interest in African American classical composers was inspired by curiosity regarding why there was little mention of people of color in the history of classical music, despite the pioneering and transformative impact of African American artists on American music culture. Her years of independent research revealed a significant contribution by African-descended musicians to classical music. Ms. Smith graduated with a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Georgia State University and a Master of Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University. After her retirement as a human resources officer for Express Jet Airlines, she decided to return to the formal study of music. Ms. Smith is currently a student at Perimeter College under the GSU-62 program, which offers the opportunity for senior citizens to pursue college studies for free.