Commemorative Weekend Honors the Life & Legacy of Bernal E. Smith, II October 13 -14, 2018

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Oct. 4, 2018 - PRLog -- The Bernal Elery Smith II Commemorative Weekend is two days with three powerful events designed to honor the life and legacy of the late businessman and civic leader. October 13 – 14, 2018 will consist of a men's health symposium, honorary street naming ceremony and community block party, and scholarship reception. Organized by his widow, Towanda Peete-Smith, each event is committed to continuing Smith's work of inspiring, educating, and elevating people, allowing his magnificent light to shine in his absence. The Bernal E. Smith II and Michael Mason Men's Health Symposium and the Bernal E. Smith II Honorary Street Naming Ceremony are free and open to the public.

Bernal E. Smith, II passed away unexpectedly on October 22, 2017, after suffering from hypertension and cardiovascular disease. He served as the president and publisher of the New Tri-State Defender and is responsible for reviving the 66-year-old African American focused publication, improving its brand and increasing its presence and readership. Bernal was also a familiar face and voice within the community and was frequently asked to speak at events and with media about local and national issues that impact the African American community.

"Bernal was a good man who loved his hometown and the people in it. He enjoyed helping others, investing in our youth, and hosting events that enlightened and empowered others. He was truly a servant leader and an advocate for the people of Memphis," said Peete-Smith. "He was only 45 when he died and many of his passionate pursuits were left unfinished. I, along with our three children, and other dedicated family and friends are committed to continuing Bernal's work. I hope that everyone whose life was touched by my husband will attend one or more of the events during the weekend. Come help us celebrate Bernal."

The details of the Bernal Elery Smith II Commemorative Weekend are as follows:

Saturday, October 13, 2018

The Bernal E. Smith II and Michael Mason Men's Health Symposium is 8 a.m. to noon at Smith's alma mater, Rhodes College, in the McCallum Ballroom of the Bryan Campus Life Center. This event is a joint effort between Towanda Peete-Smith and Maleka Williams McCray, the mother of Michael Mason's son. Mason, a prominent Memphis businessman and former NFL player, died from cardiovascular atherosclerosis in December of 2017. He was 43. The symposium will emphasize key men's health topics, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and sexual health. Leading medical experts will discuss the importance of cardiovascular care, along with the facts, causes, risk factors, and complications associated with hypertension. This event is sponsored by 100 Black Men and Men United.

The Bernal E. Smith II Honorary Street Naming Ceremony will take place near the offices of the New Tri-State Defender. Going forth the Beale Street Alley between B.B. King Blvd. and 4th St. (north and adjacent to Fed Ex Forum) will bear the name Bernal E. Smith II Way. The ceremony, which begins at 1:00 p.m., will conclude with a Community Block Party celebrating his life and accomplishments.

Sunday, October 14, 2018

The Bernal E. Smith II Memorial Scholarship VIP Reception willhonor high school students who excel academically while giving back to their community. The reception is a brief thank you for the civic leaders and friends that gave to the scholarship fund. The applicants and finalists will also be recognized and receive their awards. The reception will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Rhodes College in the Spence Wilson Room of Briggs Hall. This event is invitation only.

Smith may be gone but he will never be forgotten. His bold, unapologetic legacy lives on through his family and friends who loved him, the publication he poured his heart and soul into each day, and the lives he impacted. For more information about the Bernal Elery Smith II Commemorative Weekend, email tpeetesmith@msn.com or call 662-382-9972.