Welcome To The Official Website Of
Prentiss A. Smith
Opinion Writer, Political Analyst, Author, Advocate.
Experience a raw and uplifting journey through the struggles of addiction and the fight for recovery. One line will resonate deeply, urging you to explore the full story of hope and resilience.
“The Tracks Of My Fears”
Read the story of how I overcome mental illness and drug addiction to become a voice for the voiceless.
About Prentiss
Prentiss A. Smith
Prentiss A. Smith is a respected Louisiana-based opinion writer, political analyst, and advocate whose voice has shaped public discourse for more than three decades. A retired Journeyman Process Engineer with 30 years at General Motors, he also holds an MBA and a Master’s in English and Creative Writing.
Opinion Archive
Blogs & Columns
When Life Knocks You Down: How to Rise Again
Have you ever felt like life hit you so hard that you didn’t know how to get back up? We’ve all had those moments when a…
About Book
The Tracks Of My Fears
“The Tracks of My Fears: I Overcame Mental Illness and Drug Addiction, and So Can You” is not just a story; it is a lived journey through some of life’s most relentless storms. Prentiss A. Smith opens the door to his past and lets readers walk with him through the shadows of mental illness, the grip of drug addiction, and the crushing weight of community expectations. From the quiet streets of Ruston, Louisiana, to the chaos of personal battles, he shares his life in unflinching detail. This journey is heartbreaking and enlightening, offering a raw glimpse into the human experience.
Chapter 01
Whispers of What’s Written
Resilience is developed through persistence. This is something I learned only in the earlier days of my life. I am Prentiss Smith, son of the minister…
Chapter 02
Sidetracks & Family Tracks
September of ’67, Ruston High School opened its doors to me—Prentiss Smith, a young Black boy with a mission beyond textbooks and science labs. I knew I was walking into a landscape that had…
Speaking & Media
Book Prentiss for Speaking,
Commentary, or Media Appearance
Mental Health
Prentiss speaks openly about mental health in a way that is honest, relatable, and free from stigma. Drawing from his own lived experiences, he helps audiences understand the daily challenges of mental illness, the subtle warning signs, and the small but powerful steps that can lead to healing. He believes that open conversation is the first step to breaking the silence and shame. Whether it’s speaking to a workplace, a school, or a community group, his focus is always on connection and understanding. His approach is personal, never clinical, making people feel heard, supported, and reminded that they are not alone.
Addiction Recovery
With firsthand insight into the realities of addiction, Prentiss delivers a message of hope that feels both real and reachable. His talks go beyond statistics to share the human side of the struggle, the setbacks, the small victories, and the daily choices that shape recovery. He explains the importance of patience, self-compassion, and having a strong support network. Prentiss helps audiences see that recovery is not about perfection, but persistence. Whether speaking to those still battling addiction or to families seeking understanding, his message is clear: no matter how far someone has fallen, there is always a way forward.
Civic Duty
Prentiss reminds audiences that change begins where they live. He speaks about the power of voting, volunteering, and becoming actively involved in the community, not as lofty ideals, but as everyday actions that create real impact. Drawing from his years of public engagement, he shows how ordinary people can influence extraordinary change. His message is simple yet powerful: each of us has a role in shaping the future, and it begins by showing up. Whether in small acts of kindness or through organized civic action, Prentiss inspires people to take ownership of the communities they call home.
Race In America
With decades of lived experience and public commentary, Prentiss approaches the topic of race in America with clarity, compassion, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. He weaves personal history with broader social context, encouraging audiences to see how the past still shapes the present. His talks invite open dialogue, replacing defensiveness with understanding, and turning difficult conversations into opportunities for growth. Prentiss believes that meaningful progress comes from listening, learning, and working together, across differences, to create lasting change. His approach builds bridges, fostering empathy while challenging audiences to address inequality in their spheres of influence actively.
Get In Contact With Prentiss A. Smith
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