Basil Smikle: Biography, Education, Career, Marriage, Age, Family, Net Worth 2025

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Basil Smikle Biography

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Basil Smikle Jr. is an American political leader, teacher, and public speaker. He has spent many years working in politics, advising well-known politicians, and helping to shape policies that affect millions of people.

He is also a respected university lecturer who teaches students about leadership, politics, and public service. Over the years, Basil has worked with top political figures, led one of the biggest political parties in New York State, and served on boards that support schools, children, and communities. Even with all his achievements, he often talks about his humble beginnings and the lessons he learned from his hardworking parents.

Early Life and Family Roots

Basil Smikle Jr. was born and raised in the Bronx, New York City. Basil Smikle Jr.’s exact year of birth is not publicly known. Trusted sources, including LegiStorm, list his birthday as January 12 but do not mention the year. His official profiles also leave it out, showing he has chosen to keep that detail private. His parents were immigrants from Jamaica who came to the United States to build a better future.

His father, Basil Smikle, worked in a textile factory, spending long hours handling and making fabrics. His mother, Maria Smikle, was a public school teacher who taught children with special learning needs. There are no reliable records or sources confirming that Basil Smikle Jr. has any siblings.

Many biographies indicate he is probably his parents’ only child, while others either omit any mention of siblings or note that such details are not publicly available. Growing up, Basil saw how hard his parents worked. They taught him the value of education, honesty, discipline, and helping others. The Bronx, where he grew up, was a mix of cultures and backgrounds. This environment helped him learn how to talk to and understand people from all walks of life, a skill that later became important in his political career.

Education Journey

Basil was always curious and eager to learn. Education became his way to build a better life and help others. He attended Cornell University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree. It was during his time at Cornell that his interest in politics, leadership, and community service grew stronger.

He attended Columbia University where he earned a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA). This program taught him how governments work, how policies are made, and how to manage public. He didn’t stop there, he also earned a Doctorate in Politics and Education, in Columbia University, focusing his research on how political decisions affect schools, students, and teachers. By the time he finished his studies, Basil had built strong skills in leadership, public policy, and education. These skills prepared him for a career that would combine politics, teaching, and community work.

Career in Politics and Education

Basil began his political career as an adviser and campaign planner. He worked behind the scenes to help leaders win elections and create better policies. One of his most important early jobs was serving as a senior aide to Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. In this role, he gave advice, planned strategies, and helped with community projects. In 2015, Basil became the Executive Director of the New York State Democratic Party. This was one of the highest political positions in the state. His work included; planning election campaigns, organizing fundraising events, finding and training new political candidates, and building stronger connections between voters and the party. His leadership was key in helping Democrats win control of the New York State Senate in 2018, which was a major political achievement. While succeeding in politics, Basil also built a strong career in education. He has taught at some of America’s top universities, such as:

Columbia University, at the School of International and Public Affairs and Teachers College.
City University of New York (CUNY) as a Distinguished Lecturer in Politics and Public Policy.
Columbia School of Professional Studies as a Professor of Practice and Director of the Master’s in Nonprofit Management program.

In his classrooms, Basil teaches about politics, leadership, public service, and how nonprofit organizations can help communities. His teaching is powerful because it combines real-world political experience with academic knowledge.

Community Service and Board Work

Basil has always believed in giving back to the community. He serves on the boards of several organizations, including:

Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library as Trustee
Opportunity Charter School in Harlem which supports quality education for underserved children
Oliver Scholars which helps talented Black and Latino students attend top schools
FoodCorps, which ensures children get healthy school meals
The Association to Benefit Children which supports at-risk children and families

Through these roles, Basil has worked to improve education, expand opportunities for young people, and strengthen community programs.

Public Speaking and Media Work

Basil is also a well-known public speaker and political commentator. He appears regularly on MSNBC, CNN, and NY1, explaining political events in a way that is easy for the public to understand. He is often invited to speak at conferences, universities, and community gatherings on topics like leadership, diversity in politics, and education reform.

Awards and Recognition

Basil has received many honors for his contributions in politics, education, and public service:

Awards from the New York Urban League
W.E.B. Du Bois Scholar Award from the Bronx NAACP
Citations from the Governor of New York and the New York State Comptroller
A Proclamation from the New York City Council for his work in public service and education

The media has also praised him:

The Los Angeles Times described him as part of “Harlem’s New Political Elite”
Former Governor David Paterson called him a “national caliber political operative”

Personal Life

Basil Smikle Jr. met Marjorie Fields Harris in January 2000 while working on Hillary Clinton’s campaign. Marjorie is a well-known political and civil rights leader who was once the Executive Director of Reverend Al Sharpton’s National Action Network. They got engaged in March 2000 and married on May 26, 2001 at St. George Episcopal Church in Manhattan, New York. The couple did not have any confirmed children and later divorced, though the exact year is not known. Both have kept their personal lives private and continued working in politics and community service.

Net Worth

Basil’s exact net worth is not publicly known. Online estimates range from $20,000 to $1 million, but these figures are not confirmed. Most of his income likely comes from teaching, consulting, public speaking, and media appearances.

Conclusion

Basil Smikle Jr.’s life is a clear example of how education, hard work, and a commitment to service can take someone from humble beginnings to positions of influence. From the Bronx to working with some of America’s most powerful leaders, Basil has always focused on improving communities, creating opportunities for young leaders, and increasing diversity in politics. Through his work in politics, education, and community service, he continues to inspire people to lead with integrity and make a difference in the world.