Basil Anthony Smikle Jr. was born on January 12, 1972, in New York City, into a family of Jamaican descent. His mother was a public school teacher, which greatly influenced his passion for education and public service. Growing up in the Bronx, Smikle was heavily involved in community matters from an early age, which would later shape his political career.
Basil Smikle Wikipedia
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Basil Anthony Smikle Jr. |
| Date of Birth | January 12, 1972 |
| Age | 52 (as of 2024) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-Jamaican-American |
| Education | B.S. in Political Science from Cornell University; MPA and Ph.D. in Politics and Education from Columbia University |
| Current Roles | Professor at Columbia University and Hunter College, MSNBC and CNN Political Commentator |
| Former Roles | Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party, Senior Aide to Hillary Rodham Clinton |
| Specialties | Electoral politics, urban education policy, public policy |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (1.87 meters) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2 million |
| Social Media | Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram |
Early Life and Education
Smikle pursued higher education at Cornell University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. His academic journey didn’t stop there. He obtained a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a Ph.D. in Politics and Education from Columbia University. His focus on education policy and electoral politics would become cornerstones of his professional life.
Political Career and Public Service
Smikle’s political career began with grassroots organizing in New York City. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a trusted advisor to numerous high-profile political figures. His first major breakthrough came when he worked as a senior aide to Hillary Rodham Clinton during her Senate campaign and subsequent tenure. Smikle’s work for Clinton included advising on state-wide policy and electoral politics, and Clinton has lauded him as a “key advisor” and “tremendous public servant”.
In 2015, Basil was appointed Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party, a role in which he managed electoral strategies, candidate recruitment, and fundraising. During his tenure, he collaborated with the Democratic National Committee to enhance grassroots mobilization efforts, particularly during the 2016 election cycle.(Columbia News).
Academic Contributions and Media Presence
Parallel to his political career, Basil Smikle has maintained a strong presence in academia. He is a Distinguished Lecturer and Director of Public Policy at Hunter College, where he leads the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute. He also serves as a Professor of Practice at Columbia University, where he directs the M.S. in Nonprofit Management program.
Smikle is frequently sought after for his political insights, appearing on major media networks such as MSNBC and CNN. His commentary covers a broad spectrum of topics, including electoral politics, governance, and urban education policy. His media appearances have cemented him as a familiar face in political analysis.
Personal Life
Basil Smikle was previously married to Marjorie Fields Harris, a leader in social justice advocacy. The two were married in 2001 but later divorced. Smikle has kept much of his personal life private since then. He remains active in his community, serving on the boards of organizations such as FoodCorps and the Association to Benefit Children.
Basil Smikle Networth
Basil Smikle, a well-known political strategist, academic, and media commentator, is estimated to have a net worth of approximately $2 million. This wealth has been accumulated over decades of work in both political and academic fields. His income is derived from multiple sources, including his role as an adjunct professor at Columbia University and the City University of New York, as well as his work as a political commentator on major networks such as CNN and MSNB
Notable Achievements and Recognition
Throughout his career, Smikle has received several prestigious awards and honors for his dedication to public service and education. These include:
- New York Urban League Community Service Award
- Bronx Branch NAACP W.E.B. DuBois Scholar Award
- Citations from the New York State Governor and Comptroller
- A Proclamation from the New York City Council for his contributions to public service
Legacy and Ongoing Work
Basil Smikle’s career is characterized by a deep commitment to public service, civic engagement, and education reform. His work has had a lasting impact on New York politics, and his contributions continue to influence the next generation of policymakers and leaders. As an educator, Smikle remains dedicated to mentoring students and advocating for policy changes that address inequality and promote civic participation.
FAQs About Basil Smikle
How old is Basil Smikle?
Basil Smikle was born on January 12, 1972, making him 52 years old as of 2024
What is Basil Smikle’s educational background?
Smikle holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Cornell University, a Master of Public Administration (MPA), and a Ph.D. in Politics and Education from Columbia University
Has Basil Smikle ever held political office?
While Smikle has not held elected office, he has served in influential political roles, including as Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party and as a senior aide to Hillary Clinton
Is Basil Smikle married?
Smikle was previously married to Marjorie Fields Harris, but they later divorced. He is currently private about his personal life
What is Basil Smikle’s net worth?
Basil Smikle has an estimated net worth of $2 million, accrued through his work in politics, academia, and media commentary
Basil Smikle remains a prominent figure in political strategy and education, continually influencing policy discussions and mentoring future leaders.
