Rev. Erika Rembert Smith Receives Drum Major for Justice Award
by Stacey L. Williams, Racial Equity Member-At-Large, Presbyterian Women in the Synod of South Atlantic
and Clerk of Session, Washington Shores Presbyterian, Orlando
In July 2023, Reverend Erika Rembert Smith, Pastor of Washington Shores Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida was awarded the 2023 Drum Major For Justice Award by the National Black Presbyterian Caucus (NBPC) during the NBPC 47th Biennial Conference in Charleston, South Carolina.
The Drum Major For Justice Award is presented to an individual who has passionately committed themselves to the biblical principles of justice by consistently and unselfishly pursuing that utopian reality of liberty, justice, and equality for all of God's people. Reverend Smith’s commitment to lifting a prophetic voice that speaks truth to power in the pursuit of justice and equality for all led her nomination to become the award recipient.
“I give thanks to God for this honor,” Reverend Smith said. “What does the Lord require of you? But to love justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with our God. That is my heart’s desire. That is my call and that is what I will do. And I challenge everyone to come along with me.”
Reverend Smith is active in the life of the Central Florida Presbytery (CFP) where she currently serves as the Chair of the Anti-Racism Committee (ARC). Her efforts led to the forming of the ad hoc committee that wrote a statement on the racial injustice in response to the murder of George Floyd and for the formation of the ARC as a standing committee of Presbytery Council. Under her leadership, the committee’s proposed anti-racism policy was approved by the CFP and is now the official policy of the Presbytery. The committee also wrote a resounding statement in response to the cruel anti-immigration bill that was signed into law by the Governor of Florida in May and became effective July 1, 2023.
Reverend Smith is committed to a life of service and desires to make a difference in the lives of others. Join me in congratulating Reverend Erika Rembert Smith on this most prestigious and worthy honor!
The Drum Major For Justice Award is presented to an individual who has passionately committed themselves to the biblical principles of justice by consistently and unselfishly pursuing that utopian reality of liberty, justice, and equality for all of God's people. Reverend Smith’s commitment to lifting a prophetic voice that speaks truth to power in the pursuit of justice and equality for all led her nomination to become the award recipient.
“I give thanks to God for this honor,” Reverend Smith said. “What does the Lord require of you? But to love justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with our God. That is my heart’s desire. That is my call and that is what I will do. And I challenge everyone to come along with me.”
Reverend Smith is active in the life of the Central Florida Presbytery (CFP) where she currently serves as the Chair of the Anti-Racism Committee (ARC). Her efforts led to the forming of the ad hoc committee that wrote a statement on the racial injustice in response to the murder of George Floyd and for the formation of the ARC as a standing committee of Presbytery Council. Under her leadership, the committee’s proposed anti-racism policy was approved by the CFP and is now the official policy of the Presbytery. The committee also wrote a resounding statement in response to the cruel anti-immigration bill that was signed into law by the Governor of Florida in May and became effective July 1, 2023.
Reverend Smith is committed to a life of service and desires to make a difference in the lives of others. Join me in congratulating Reverend Erika Rembert Smith on this most prestigious and worthy honor!