My name is Tony Smith (Latimore), and my family has been living in our car since January 31, 2024, after being forced into poverty by racial discrimination and retaliation in Woodinville, Washington. HUD transferred our case to the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC), but Manager Jim Owens and Assistant Executive Director Barbara Harris have been illegally denying our right to an expedited investigation, despite clear eligibility.

We are calling on you to help force action and accountability. Winter is here, our car is about to be repossessed, and we need urgent support.

 

Tony Smith: A Personal Narrative

I am Tony Smith, and my life has become a testament to resilience, struggle, and an unyielding quest for dignity and belonging. My journey began in Woodinville, Washington, where I envisioned building a life filled with hope and love alongside my wife. We believed in the promise of this community—a place known for its progressive values and commitment to diversity. Yet, what awaited us was a harsh reality that would challenge everything we thought we knew about safety and acceptance.

From the moment we arrived, I faced relentless racial discrimination. As a Black man in a community that touted inclusivity, I was shocked and disheartened by the hostility that greeted me daily. I had never encountered such blatant racism, especially in a place that prided itself on its open-mindedness. The emotional toll was profound, each day wearing me down as I battled the invisible weight of prejudice.

The constant stress reached a breaking point, culminating in a stroke—an unexpected and terrifying wake-up call that forced me to confront the physical manifestations of my emotional pain. This moment was a reckoning, a stark reminder that the body often bears the brunt of unaddressed trauma. The societal pressures that demanded I appear strong and unyielding only intensified my internal struggle. As a man, I felt the weight of expectation to suppress my vulnerability, to soldier on despite the chaos swirling around me.

In the midst of this turmoil, my wife and I faced another heartbreaking challenge—miscarriages that shattered our hopes and dreams of starting a family. Each loss felt like a cruel reminder of our vulnerability, compounding the pain of our existing struggles. The grief was overwhelming, and it further strained our already fragile emotional state. We were not just fighting against the world around us; we were also grappling with profound personal loss, feeling as though our dreams were slipping away.

Desperate for a fresh start, my wife and I made the difficult decision to drive to Florida, hoping that family would provide the refuge we so desperately needed. However, upon our arrival, we were met with rejection from those I believed would stand by us. The abandonment was crushing, leaving my wife and me to live in our car, lost and desperate in a world that felt increasingly hostile. This experience deepened my isolation and revealed the fragility of familial bonds when confronted with adversity.

Returning to Washington, we were thrust back into the same systemic discrimination that had already disrupted our lives. Living in our car became a grim reality, with me sleeping in the driver’s seat, waking up each day to the uncertainty of our circumstances. The confines of that vehicle symbolized not just our physical space but the emotional struggle I endured—each morning, a reminder of the battles we were fighting just to survive.

Despite the overwhelming odds, I found a flicker of purpose in delivering for DoorDash. It became my lifeline, a brief escape from the harsh realities of our lives. Yet, even that small form of exercise grew increasingly difficult as the stress of our situation took a toll on my health and well-being. Each day morphed into a fight for survival, as I grappled with the stigma of being a man in a society that often undervalues vulnerability and emotions.

As I navigate this arduous journey, I recognize that my story resonates with many. It speaks to the shared experiences of countless individuals—men, Black men, members of the LGBTQIA+ community—who face rejection and discrimination in their daily lives. I aim to be a voice for those who feel unheard, a beacon of hope reminding everyone that we are not alone in our struggles.

Today, I stand at a critical crossroads, fighting for a chance at a better life for myself and my wife. We seek not just survival but a sense of belonging and dignity in a world that has often turned its back on us. My plea for help is a call to action for anyone willing to listen: if you find it in your heart to support us, your kindness can make a profound difference—not just for us, but for everyone who feels marginalized and forgotten.

Together, we can foster change and build a community where compassion prevails over indifference. My journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, a call for solidarity, and a reminder that we can create a world where everyone belongs. Change is possible, and it starts with each of us reaching out to support one another. Will you join me in this fight for hope and justice?

*Im Still Fighting ✊🏾🤎✊🏾

 

We need your help:

 1. Sign this petition to demand an immediate investigation by the WSHRC and accountability for the illegal denial of our rights.

 2. Contact local officials and senators to take action on our case. We have been in contact with Senator Maria Cantwell.

 3. Donate to our Cash App: $PrinceTJ305 to help us cover daily survival needs.

Hashtags and Social:

TikTok: @MrTonyLatimore
#SupportTonyLatimore