Courtesy Photo-Al Smith Founder of Purpix Media, Filmmaker, Educator, and Author.
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Mr. Al "Leal" Smith, a fellow Clark Atlanta University alumnus and dear friend. Al is one of the most affable and genuine individuals I've had the honor of knowing, with a heart as big as his passion for education. His commitment to leaving no one behind is evident through his mission to empower others using his gift for marketing and media.
Leal holds a BA from Indiana University and an MBA from Clark Atlanta University, combining his formal education with real-world experience to inspire others. His transition from a successful career in marketing, where he spent 16+ years developing campaigns for Fortune 500 companies, to education speaks volumes about his desire to give back. He saw a need for more positive male role models in communities of color and decided to fill that gap by becoming an educator.
But Leal didn't stop there. His passion for film continued to burn brightly, leading him to launch Purpix Media and Future Filmmakers. Through these ventures, he masterfully merges his love for education and film, creating thought-provoking content while teaching the next generation how to tell their stories through filmmaking.
One of his most impactful initiatives is the One Day Film Skool. In just a day, Leal and his team transform high schools and collegiate programs into dynamic film production studios, teaching students the ins and outs of the film industry. He collaborates with national programs like TRIO and state initiatives such as Florida’s C.R.O.P., empowering students to explore careers in content creation and media.
Leal's work has earned him numerous accolades, including the 2017 Lilly Teacher Creativity Grant, the 2018 Indiana Arts Commission Grant, and the 2019 Create Indy Award, to name a few. His relentless pursuit of excellence and dedication to uplifting youth is both admirable and inspiring.
When asked why he drove four hours to meet me, his answer was simple—friendship and a shared passion for storytelling. We also discussed how he guided his students in creating a film about school shootings, a poignant reflection of his ability to address tough issues through art.
If you’re interested in film, education, or mentoring the next generation of content creators, I encourage you to connect with Leal Smith. His dedication to empowering young minds and creating impactful content is sure to inspire you.
Yanice and Al at Stacks 92.1 Recording the Sunday Chronicle
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