Richard "Mouse" Smith

Richard Smith, a revered leader and prominent figure in the fight for civil rights, passed away at his home on January 2, 2025. 

Richard, lovingly known to all as “Mouse,” was born in Wilmington, Delaware on April 18, 1949 to the late Howard Seagers and Ella Smith-Maple. He was a proud graduate of Howard High School, where the seeds of his passion for justice and equality were sown. He dedicated nearly 40 years of his life working at the Port of Wilmington, where he not only contributed to the success of the Port, but also served as a strong and respected union leader advocating tirelessly for workers' rights and fair treatment.

In addition to his passion for civil rights advocacy, Mouse was an avid Philly sports fan and lover of R&B classics and soulful melodies that told stories of struggle and triumph. When he wasn’t listening to music during his free time, he often tuned in to news stations, such as NPR and MSNBC’s PoliticsNation with Reverend Al Sharpton, as he was especially drawn to the critical discussions around police violence and the ongoing fight for justice. His passion for equality and awareness reflected his deep commitment to understanding the world’s struggles.

Mouse’s journey as a trailblazing activist began at an early age, and his influence extended from the streets of Wilmington to the White House. Growing up on Wilmington’s Eastside, Mouse witnessed firsthand the challenges facing Delaware's Black community. He became involved in civil rights activism as a teenager, organizing direct action initiatives aimed at desegregating eating establishments. Having served in various roles within the NAACP, most currently as the President of the Delaware NAACP State Conference of Branches, Mouse’s nearly 60-year commitment to the organization helped shape his legacy. He led with unwavering dedication, bold vision, and a deep love for the NAACP; and he fought tirelessly to eliminate racial inequality, demand accountability, and open doors of opportunity for all.

As a key plaintiff in a landmark lawsuit, Mouse helped lead the Delaware NAACP State Conference of Branches in a battle for educational equity, challenging systemic disparities and securing critical victories for underserved students across the state. He served on various boards and commissions, and in 2023 was tapped to serve as a Commissioner on the Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans, a White House initiative tasked with providing advice to the United States President through the Secretary of Education on matters pertaining to educational equity and economic opportunity for the Black community. 

Often with a car full of people, but more often alone, Mouse traveled up and down the state—at his own expense—tackling issues ranging from employment discrimination to police reform. Known for his signature baseball cap and tell-it-like-it-is approach, Mouse was relentless in his pursuit for a more equitable society, and no personal sacrifice was too great when it came to ensuring that everyone was treated with the dignity and respect they deserved. Mouse’s transformative leadership and profound impact earned him numerous accolades—most recently the Order of the First State issued by John Carney, Delaware’s Immediate-Past Governor, on November 26, 2024. This honor reflects the immense respect Mouse garnered, but for him, the work was never about recognition—it was about the mission.

Beyond his various leadership roles, Mouse was a mentor, friend, and source of inspiration to countless individuals. Mouse’s lifelong friend, U.S. President Joseph R. Biden, often acknowledged Mouse’s critical role in his political rise and was recently quoted as saying “I can say with certainty that I would not be the person I am today—I would not be the President of the United States—if it weren’t for Mouse.” Mouse’s ability to connect with people, his unwavering belief in the power of community, and his relentless pursuit of justice left an indelible mark on Delaware and beyond. While Mouse’s natural family may have been relatively small in number, it was large in love. He was also blessed to be surrounded by countless friends who became family, contributing to a circle of never-ending support.

In addition to his parents, Mouse was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Smith. To cherish his memories, Mouse leaves three daughters: Samone Roy of Wilmington, DE, Natasha Owens of Dover, DE, and Sparkle Smith of Wilmington, DE; two sisters: Anna Williams and Paula Smith; one brother: Gary Potts; eight grandchildren: Richard, Kalyn, Aigner, Vincent, Keyona, Komesha, Deja, and Demiracle; 10 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. May Mouse’s legacy and the memories of his love and shared moments continue to be a source of strength and comfort to all who knew him.