Braintree's Leon Smith Honored As Celtics 'Hero Among Us'

BRAINTREE, MA — A Braintree local was honored by the Boston Celtics at a recent game for his work in the greater Boston area.

Leon Smith is a local youth advocate and esteemed nonprofit leader, who serves as the Executive Director of Citizens for Juvenile Justice.

The organization "advocates for statewide systemic reform to achieve equitable youth justice."

Smith was honored as part of the Celtics "Hero Among Us" initiative, which honors Massachusetts residents for their efforts toward bettering the community.

"What an amazing night! CfJJ is eternally grateful to [the Celtics] for honoring our Executive Director [Leon Smith] with the Heroes Among Us award at last night's game against the Brooklyn Nets," Citizens for Juvenile Justice said on social media.

"Your support of CfJJ and #RaiseTheAge are greatly appreciated."

The team explained their decision to honor Smith on social media, stating that he "is dedicated to breaking the cycle of incarceration for families."

"As the Executive Director of [Citizens for Juvenile Justice], Leon Smith is a champion for the passage of the Raise the Age bill, which helps adolescents maximize their potential."

The Raise the Age bill is an initiative from the nonprofit to raise the age of adult prosecution from 18 to 20. It is supported by multiple judges and local politicians, as well as organizations like the Celtics and former New England Patriots Devin and Jason McCourty.

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