Support for Myoshi: wrongful termination & silencing

IfNotNow Baltimore's dedicated core organizing team member and press liaison, Myoshi Smith, was unjustly terminated from her full time job in the fall, after beginning her involvement with IfNotNow.

Myoshi threw herself into being the press liaison for IfNotNow Baltimore and has given so much time and heart to our group, but she was let go for expressing her support for a ceasefire in Gaza and sharing her experiences as a “Black, queer, fat woman” in a white-led organizing space.

IfNotNow Baltimore proudly stands shoulder to shoulder with Myoshi, a valued ally in our predominantly white and Jewish-led organization. We firmly believe that white-led organizing spaces must be open to genuine and necessary conversations with our non-Jewish and Black allies. Myoshi has been an integral part of our organizing efforts, providing invaluable insights, feedback, and a vital perspective that challenges and enriches our work.

Myoshi is facing repercussions for bravely speaking her truth, but her truth – and her leadership – deserves to be heard and championed. As a movement that fights antisemitism, we recognize the danger of isolating ourselves from our allies, and we will not let that happen.

We call on the community to stand with Myoshi in our shared struggle for justice. Myoshi was told by her former employer that her values do not align with their brand, but we want to emphasize that her values align perfectly with IfNotNow Baltimore. Let us turn this moment of adversity into a collective call to action, and an opportunity to truly enact our values. Myoshi's experience highlights the need for genuine inclusivity and understanding within all spaces, particularly those that proclaim to champion progressive principles.

As a community, let's rally behind Myoshi. Reach out to us at IfNotNow Baltimore if you wish to offer support, and let's ensure that Myoshi's courage and commitment to justice do not go unnoticed.