Rita Smith-Wade-El

Rita Smith-Wade-El (October 1, 1948 – December 29, 2018) was an American professor of psychology, women's studies, and African-American studies.

Early life and education Smith-Wade-El was born in Washington, D.C. to Eva Mae and James Edward Smith. She received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Barnard College and both her master's degree and Doctor of Philosophy in psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. In her youth, she was a member of the Black Panther Party and Students for a Democratic Society.

Career Smith-Wade-El was a professor of psychology, Pan-African studies, and women's studies at Temple University for ten years. She was the education chair of the Lancaster, Pennsylvania branch of the NAACP.

Personal life Smith-Wade-El resided in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for more than thirty years.

Honors Smith-Wade-El was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Essence of Humanity Award given by the Crispus Attucks Community Center. In 2018, Millersville University renamed its Intercultural Center to the Dr. Rita Smith-Wade-El Intercultural Center. The former James Buchanan Elementary School in Lancaster was renamed in her honor to Rita Smith-Wade-El Elementary School in 2021.