Kenzie Smith, thrust into limelight after BBQ issue at Lake Merritt, running for Oakland council
FILE ART - Kenzie Smith (left) and rapper Mistah FAB are brothers and attended the BBQ While Black cookout at Lake Merritt. Photo: Michelle Snider
OAKLAND, Calif. - Kenzie Smith, one of the men targeted by the woman nicknamed BBQ Becky and who Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan nominated to the city’s Park and Recreation Advisory Commission, has entered Oakland’s District 2 City Council race.
On Monday, Smith filed an intent to run in the November election, first reported by the East Bay Citizen and confirmed by his wife, Michelle Snider, who tweeted a photo of him at City Hall.
“My purpose to run for District 2 in the city of Oakland is to bring our community together and unite one another. Together we can make a difference," Smith said in an email on Friday. "I want to put in the work with the people to solve the many problems we see every day. From housing affordability and homelessness to keeping our parks and streets clean and accessible for all.”
He faces incumbent Abel Guillén and housing activist Nikki Bas Fortunato.
Snider said her husband, who is a bit camera shy, was asked to run. And although he's been attending Park and Rec meetings, he has not been formally assigned to the post yet.
He is the co-founder of DOPE ERA magazine, has a background in construction and has never before been a public servant. He also happens to be the brother of rapper Mistah F.A.B.
The deadline for officially qualifying for the fall campaign is Aug. 10.