Dezjuan Smith

This interview was conducted with Dezjuan Smith at the Hudson Area Library on Fifth Street on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Born in Florida, Dezjuan moved to Hudson as a child and reflects on his deep and evolving relationship with the city. He recalls living for a year on Union Street, participating in programs at Kite’s Nest, attending Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School, taking part in Hudson’s punk scene, and engaging with Hudson Promise Neighborhood.

Dezjuan speaks candidly about his experiences exploring his sexuality beginning at age 13, including the harm he experienced from predatory older men and how those experiences contributed to substance use and his eventual decision to leave college. He reflects on what he believes he needed as a young person growing up in Hudson—emphasizing the importance of affirmation and community support.

Dezjuan also revisits his earlier 2017 interview with Matia Emsellem, conducted when he was 12 as part of the Community Library of Voice and Sound, offering reflections on how he has changed since then. He shares that he still loves the color blue, trees, and reading, and discusses King: A Life by Jonathan Eig, offering insights on what Hudson could learn from a more nuanced understanding of Martin Luther King Jr. He concludes by reflecting on what healing means to him and the role both African-derived religion and Christianity have played in his recovery and spiritual growth.

This interview may be of particular interest to those exploring the experiences of youth—especially LGBTQ youth—in Hudson, as well as themes of addiction, sexual violence, recovery, civil rights history, and the intersection of faith and healing.