The Legacy of Nobody Smith

Dr. Tony Evans introduces this novel based on the life of his Uncle Smitty a major influence during Evans' formative years. In Baltimore City during the Great Depression, six-year-old Smitty is a hard working shoeshine boy despite his lame arm. Each member of his family does their part, so young Smitty drops his hard-earned coins into the coffee can labeled "Rent." The Smiths might be money poor, but they're rich with love and laughter. Though his parents try Smitty can't be protected from the ugliness - the cruel prejudice that waits outside the boundaries of their poor, colored neighborhood called Sandtown.

As a teenager Smitty's world crumbles when he learns the heartbreaking truths of his unwanted birth and mixed up family tree. Convinced he's a nobody he runs away from home and begins his search for significance. It takes nearly dying and the unwanted friendship of a white man for Smitty to discover the somebody he was born to be.

"The Legacy of Nobody Smith" - a 2017 Selah Award finalist - is based on interviews recorded during the last month's of Smith's life. He reflected on the fears that plagued him, the father who loved him, and the faith that carried him. With honesty and tenderness Smitty shared about becoming best friends with a white man, years before "racial reconciliation" was a fashionable phrase.

Rich with history and humor, every page of "The Legacy of Nobody Smith" invites readers to witness the life of an insignificant nobody discovering he's actually the cherished child of a loving God.

Profits to benefit The Urban Alternative and The Helping Up Mission of Baltimore.

What Readers Are Saying:

"An inspiring historical novel with a relevant message, in the eyes of God each of us is a somebody."

Kurt L. Schmoke,
University of Baltimore President and Former Mayor of Baltimore

"I felt so many emotions while reading this book but could not put it down. Awesome, awesome read!"

Terri W., Amazon Customer

"This story ripped me to shreds and then put me back together again piece by piece. It's so full of the love Christ has for us, you will finish this book a changed person."

Anonymous, Amazon Customer