Speaking Engagements
Ms Byther-Smith speaks at a variety of different Churches to educate people on the issue of HIV/AIDS. Her focus is on showing people that anyone can become HIV positive, and that attaching a stigma to people living with this disease does nothing to help us stay safe and healthy. Her message is: "It's not who you are, but what you do that puts you at risk".
to download a copy of Ms. Byther-Smith's appearance contract, please click here:
Here are some reactions to her presentations:
Ida Byther Smith is a strong,t outspoken, effective HIV/AIDS advocate/activist. Her voice demands action for persons infected and affected by the virus and disease. Ida is not one who seeks personal acclaim, but she uses her connections and influence to acquire resources and support for persons living with HIV/AIDS. The lack of housing concerned her so much that she developed Jo-Ray House, a residential facility, to address the housing shortage. In addition to running her non-profit organization, she continues to travel far and wide speaking to legislators, government agencies and conferences about the funding for services and resources so desperately needed by persons living with HIV/AIDS. I consider Ida a five star General in the war against HIV/AIDS. She is definitely a serious, honest, genuine leader in this fight and I am honored to be a soldier alongside her.
Sylvia Jo Oglesby
Faith-Based Prevention Coordinator
"Where much is given, much is required. I find you to be a woman of great strength, whom must redirect a unique level of strength into the well being of others."
-Angela Calhoun
DePaul Center /
Department of Public Health
"Ida W. Byther Smith is a speaker who knows how to reach a crowd. While the truth as she tells it can be blunt, she mixes it with real compassion so that the outcome is behavior changed by wisdom and not fearful condemnation. Whether in writing or in person, her delivery is passionate and full of humor that both hugs you and holds you accountable for your choices."
-Michele Aikens
Publisher, Grace Today Magazine
Ida Byther-Smith is a passionate activist! Not only has she dealt with the hand she was given she has made it possible through her vision for other persons who are HIV+ to have housing. Her diligent work with Jo Ray House has given post detainees a home while they receive HIV primary care.
Bethsheba Johnson
Southside Health Association
Ida Byther-Smith embodies the Black Woman’s Burden of loving and caring beyond understanding. Ida speaks of the women who play church but are not living it. All those poor self righteous church going women who don’t step up and show compassion and forgiveness will be moved by Ida’s testimonies. For those who don’t think that HIV can be encountered by an upstanding, proper and faithful wife, think again! Ida tells the truth and shames the lies. More importantly she continues to show compassion for those who are homeless by providing temporary shelter at the Jo-Ray House, her own shelter for men. Ida is an author, director and more important an example of a woman taking life’s lemons and making it lemonade!
Yaa Simpson
Community Epidemiologist
“Ms. Byther-Smith really gave me a clear understanding about this disease. My Uncle died alone of AIDS and we were so afraid of him, it hurts me to know how the family treated him.”
-B.J.J.
McGee Temple COGIC
“My son died alone, he was ashamed to let the family know he was infected. God forgive me I did not know that I could not get AIDS from showing him love.”
-Mary
Pleasant Green M.B. Church.
“I was afraid to tell my family until Ms. Byther-Smith came to my church. I have told my mother, I feel like a brick has been taken of me. I was infected by my boyfriend, He got it through drugs."
-LaTayn
New Covert of Life Church
It is not necessary to know a person a lifetime, to know that a person brings life to the time you spend with them. You are one of the most loving, giving, caring, sharing, dedicated, and committed people that I ever met; I am blessed to have you in my life - thank you for being a friend. May all that you give in time, talents and treasures return to you, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing.
Bren
You are a courageous advocate in the fight against HIV/AIDS who continues to provide a valuable service to the community. Love and blessings!
Andre