From NKAA, Notable Kentucky African Americans Database (main entry)

In 2007, Pamela Smith-Wright was the first African American elected president of the the Kentucky AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary. Smith-Wright, from Owensboro, KY, has served as president of Post 119 and Post 75. AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary is a service organization with wives, daughters, and granddaughters of veterans. As state president, Smith-Wright oversaw 16 posts throughout Kentucky.

Smith-Wright has been a member and leader of a number of other organizations. In her political life, in 2011, Smith-Wright served as the first woman Mayor Pro Tem in Owensboro. She was the top vote getter in the primary and general election for a seat on the Owensboro City Commission.

Pamela Smith-Wright is the daughter of the late Ethel and Willie Smith, Jr. She is graduate of Owensboro High School and was a member of the school's first track team, which won the state track meet during her senior year.

She is also a graduate of Cosmetology School in St. Louis, MO, and owned her own beauty shop for over 30 years. Pamela Smith-Wright also owned her own catering service for 20 years.

In 2012, she was the winner of the Kentucky Martin Luther King, Jr. Citizenship Award.

For more see J. Campbell, "Owensboro woman elected state leader," Messenger-Inquirer, 6/23/2007, State and Regional News section, p. 1; "Mayor pro tem receives MLK Award," Messenger-Inquirer, 1/6/2012, Local News section, p. B.1; and S. Vied, "Smith-Wright elect Mayor Pro Tem," Messenger-Inquirer, 1/5/2011, Section A, p. 1.