Booker T. Washington Community Service Center is a neighborhood pillar for San Francisco Fillmore residents. From short-term and permanent housing solutions to wrap-around services that support individuals to get back on their feet, Booker T. has been helping the community thrive for over 100 years.
Born in San Francisco to a young mom, Jazzy Murray-Smith grew up with her grandparents as a bold, outspoken child. But as she approached middle school and her teenage years, Jazzy became rebellious.
“I thought I knew everything. I made bad choices, ran away, got into fights.” She had to learn how to navigate the juvenile justice system and moved from group home to group home.
At 19, after moving back to San Francisco, Jazzy found out she was pregnant with her son. It was a period of uncertainty, but her apartment at Booker T. gave her the stability she needed.
“I felt a deep sense of relief. It was my space. My own space. I felt like, for the first time in my life, I had the chance to get it right.”
That same year, Shakirah Simley started her role as the Executive Director of Booker T. She previously worked at San Francisco City Hall, advocating for better policies that benefited and protected communities.
Meeting Shakirah was a turning point for Jazzy. “We met in her office. I was transparent as ever. I said, ‘I’ve been through these programs, I’ve been doing this type of work. I’m ready this time.’”
Today, Jazzy works at Booker T. as the BSAFE (Black. Safety. Access. Freedom. Equity.) Coordinator, organizing housing-navigation focus groups for families and connecting them to services like childcare and therapy—interventions that have the power to transform people’s lives. “That rebellious spirit that once got me into trouble? Today, I use it to my advantage to advocate for others.”
Tipping Point provided the seed funding to start BSAFE, a comprehensive program that encompasses everything Booker T. does to prevent family homelessness and support the community. This year, with support from Tipping Point, Booker T. is developing a program that helps Black homeowners keep their homes, one of the main sources for generational wealth.
“The work we’re doing at Booker T. is generational. It’s not one person, one issue area, or one election cycle. It’s legacy work every day.”
Jazzy and Shakirah spoke at Tipping Point’s annual Breakfast on December 6, 2024 to honor Booker T.’s work in the community. The Tipping Point Breakfast is an opportunity for our grantee community to share their exemplary work that builds a better Bay Area for us all. We are honored to share their story and highlight Booker T.’s success connecting individuals and families to housing solutions in the region. Learn more about Tipping Point’s work in the housing space, and view additional stories highlighted at the Breakfast, including JobTrain and Kidango.
