Charles Smith moved to Hawaii at 15, entering Lanai High School as one of only three Anglos. By marriage or birth his immediate family includes Mexican-American, African-American, Asian-American, and Caucasian bloodlines. He's put his degree in Philosophy to good use by becoming a builder, a volunteer for the American Friend's Sevice Committee, and helped found the People's Party of Hawaii. He currently make his home in Berkeley, California.