Kenzie Smith, Oakland Activist Involved In ‘BBQ Becky’ Incident, Dies at 43

Kenzie Smith, an Oakland activist, community advocate and onetime city council candidate, unexpectedly died over the weekend at age 43. As of Monday, the circumstances of his death were unclear.

News of Smith’s passing began to circulate among friends and family members on Saturday morning. The news became public on Sunday, July 21, when Oakland rapper Stanley “Mistah F.A.B.” Cox posted a heartfelt message on Instagram.

“Saddened to wake up and share the news that my lil brother @kenzie4oakland ‘Carlos’ @dopeeramagazine passed yesterday… I promise I will not let your work go down the drain… To Kenzie’s immediate family and friends, I send my love and deepest condolences, and to us, his extended family, let’s us remember his love and grace!”

Raised in Oakland, Smith had been involved in grassroots politics as the CEO of Community Rebirth, a nonprofit program designed to support those wrestling with mental health and homelessness. He stayed involved with organizations like the Oakland Roots and Oakland Ballers as a cultural ambassador, and helped organize backpack drives for Oakland students as well as food drives for the homeless.

Perhaps most notably, Smith was involved with “BBQ’n While Black” — a yearly celebration of Black joy centered on food and positivity, hosted by Jhamel Robinson and Logan McWilliams at Lake Merritt.

“He was always on the frontline for the people,” said Robinson, who met Smith in 2017, one year before their friend group co-organized the first “BBQn While Black.”

“He was truly about the community and helping people. A genuine soul. A protector. He always took care of his mom after his father passed away [10 years ago],” Robinson added.

In 2018, Smith inadvertently became a public figure when he and his friend Onsayo Abram were accosted by an angry white woman, Jennifer Schulte, who called the police while Smith and Abram barbecued at Lake Merritt in Oakland. The incident was recorded by Smith’s then-wife, Michelle Dione, and became virally known as “BBQ Becky.” The encounter transformed into a popular meme, a reference in rap songs, and even a parody sketch in Saturday Night Live. (Smith and Abram were not charged with any wrongdoing).

“[Smith] helped change things around the lake, pushing for things that happened to him not to happen [to others],” Robinson said. To Robinson, Smith personified hope for Oakland, even among the city’s most turbulent times. When Robinson first got into amateur photography, it was Smith who hooked him up with his first camera.

Robinson’s praise of Smith was echoed by others.

“BBQ WHILE BLACK WILL BE BIGGER THEN EVER. You stood for OAKLAND, you stood for justice for Oakland, not just us but for all. I’m gone miss you like a mf,” the Oakland artist known as Splashgang shared on Instagram. “THE SUPPORT YOU GAVE TO THE BAY AREA CULTURE AND THE DEDICATION YOU GAVE TO @dopeeramagazine is epic.”

For years, Smith oversaw Dope Era Magazine, an online media platform he co-founded with Mistah F.A.B to provide coverage about local issues and rising artists. In 2018, Smith ran for Oakland’s District 2 City Council, after being nominated for a position on Oakland’s Park and Recreation Advisory Committee. According to Robinson, Smith had plans to run again in 2026, and was already preparing campaign literature.

On a thread about Smith on Reddit, various Oakland residents left messages of remembrance.

“He leaves a little hole in Oakland’s heart,” one user wrote. Another commented “No! We need more grassroots problem solving folks like him.” Other public figures like San Francisco rapper Cellski have also praised his work.

On Sunday, an impromptu remembrance from Smith was held in Oakland, where those who knew him shared memories, and condolences for his family. A formal candlelight memorial has not yet been announced.