B.Smith

B.Smith

By Professor Sterling Haynes

“Whatever you do, do it with style.” Was the tagline of B.Smith. An African American, author, restauranteur and lifestyle icon.

Barbara Elaine Smith “B.Smith” was born August 24, 1949 in Pennsylvania. She began her career as a model. Signing a contract with the Wilhelmina Modeling Agency after high school.

Becoming one of the first African American women to grace the cover of Mademoiselle. Later featured on the cover of 15 other publications, including Ebony and Essence. Inspiring young black women to see themselves on magazine covers.

After modeling she returned to her passion of hospitality. Host of the nationally syndicated show, “B. Smith with Style.” Viewers learned about design, home décor, entertaining guests and cooking. The show aired for nearly a decade on Food Network. Accompanied with a lifestyle magazine and home décor collection.

In 1986, Smith opened her first restaurant called B.Smith in Manhattan New York. Expanding into two more locations in in Long Island and Washington, D.C. Guests were welcomed with care. Signature dishes were Shrimp Po' boy, Southern Fried Chicken and American southern recipes. All three restaurants lasting for almost three decades.

Smith authored three home entertaining books. B. Smith’s Entertaining and Cooking for Friends, Rituals and Celebration, and B. Smith Cooks Southern-Style. Her books containing hundreds of recipes and flavorful tips for reducing calories.

In 2013, at the age of 64, Smith was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Her husband Dan Gasby, a television media sales executive. Brought another woman into the home during the height of her illness.

Despite this they authored a book called Before I Forget. Written with Michael Shnayerson. It’s a story about her fight with Alzheimer’s and interweaves their narrative with practical and helpful advice. Readers learn about dealing with the day-to-day challenges of brain disease. Complex family realities, tensions, and ways of coping. She passed away February 22, 2020 from Alzheimer’s disease. B.Smith did not have any children.

Cartoon character Drella is created by Sterling Haynes. Sterlinghaynes.com