Oakland Community Activist and Parks Advocate, Kenzie Smith is Dead, Cause of Death; Community Mourns

The city of Oakland mourns the loss of Kenzie Smith, a dedicated community activist and passionate parks advocate, who passed away over the weekend at the age of 52. Smith’s untimely departure has left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew her and in the numerous projects she championed throughout her illustrious career.

Born and raised in East Oakland, Kenzie Smith developed an early love for the city’s diverse neighborhoods and natural landscapes. Her commitment to preserving Oakland’s green spaces and ensuring equitable access to parks for all residents became the cornerstone of her life’s work. Smith’s journey as a community advocate began in her teenage years when she organized local clean-up drives and rallied her neighbors to protect nearby playgrounds from neglect and neglectful development.

After earning a degree in Environmental Studies from California State University, East Bay, Smith returned to Oakland with a fervent desire to make a tangible difference. She joined the Oakland Parks Alliance in 2005, where her innovative ideas and tireless work ethic quickly elevated her to a leadership position. Under her guidance, the organization spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at revitalizing neglected parks, creating new recreational spaces, and promoting environmental sustainability within the community.

One of Smith’s most notable achievements was the successful campaign to save Lake Merritt Park from commercial development in 2012. Faced with proposals that threatened to encroach upon the park’s serene environment, Smith mobilized thousands of residents, organized peaceful protests, and liaised with city officials to advocate for the preservation of this beloved landmark. Her efforts not only halted the proposed developments but also led to increased funding for park maintenance and community programs.

Beyond her work with the Oakland Parks Alliance, Smith was a founding member of “Green Oakland,” a grassroots organization dedicated to promoting urban gardening, tree planting, and environmental education in underserved neighborhoods. Her initiatives empowered countless residents to take ownership of their local environments, fostering a sense of pride and stewardship that continues to thrive today.

Kenzie Smith was also a vocal advocate for social justice, recognizing the intrinsic link between environmental health and community well-being. She tirelessly worked to address environmental inequalities, ensuring that marginalized communities had access to clean air, safe parks, and green spaces.

Her advocacy extended to fighting against pollution, advocating for sustainable public transportation, and promoting policies that balanced urban development with ecological preservation.