Aaron X. Smith

Dr. Aaron X. Smith was raised in Montclair NJ, he holds a BA in Asian Studies, an MA in Liberal Arts, an MA in African American Studies and a PhD in African American Studies (all from Temple University). Dr. Aaron X. Smith is an Assistant Professor of Instruction at Temple University in the Department of Africology and African American Studies.

Dr. Smith currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Africology and African American Studies at Temple University. He is the author of "The Murder of Octavius Catto" (featured in the Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia 2015). Smith has also published multiple entries in the Encyclopedia of African Cultural Heritage (2015) and a chapter on James Baldwin titled, “Boundless Baldwin” recently published in, Contemporary Critical Thought in Africology and Africana Studies. His innovative artistic presentation style has gained him the name, “The Rapping Professor”.

During his short tenure at Temple University, Dr. Smith has quickly been recognized as a dynamic and innovative speaker, educator, artist and facilitator who utilizes his vast wealth of knowledge, uncanny energy and unique oratorical abilities to translate Hip-Hop culture into a universal language of leadership, learning and love. During his professorship he has been focused on developing unique and dynamic ways to actively engage the Gen Z students of today in an effort to solidify their learning. This unique approach to his lectures garnered him national recognition as the aptly named “Rapping Professor” with a viral video from his classroom garnering over 10 Million views in less than three weeks.

Throughout his career Professor Smith has spoken at numerous colleges, companies and religious institutions. In 2015, Dr. Smith received the Molefi Kete Asante Award for academic excellence and innovation in the field of African American Studies. Dr. Smith serves as the Academic Advisor for the Temple chapter of the NAACP and SEAL (Society of Emerging African Leaders). Aaron X. Smith holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Asian Studies, a Master’s Degree in Liberal Arts and a Master’s Degree in African American Studies. Aaron X. Smith graduated with a PhD in African American Studies in 2015 and has dedicated his life to uplift through education.