Christopher “Poppa Smurf” Cason

Panel: Saturday, February 8
How to Address Competing Values in a Polarized World

Born on the 25th day of December, (Christmas) in Brooklyn, New York! Christopher Ralph Cason is better known throughout the community as “Poppa Smurf!” He is the son of the late Herbert & Mamie Cason and the biological son of the late Antoinette Herben! He is the proud father of Christopher Jr., Tequila, Terri, Kamyla, Kristina, Krista and Peyton! Poppa Smurf is a street soldier who spent most of his early years in and out of trouble! Upon being released from prison, Poppa Smurf vowed never to go back and because of the destruction he caused in his community! He vowed to be a part of the reconstruction and revitalization process! Since 2000, Poppa Smurf has been involved in programs geared at navigating troubled youth away from crime and violence! He’s received many awards, including a South Carolina State House of Representatives Resolution for his mentoring success with children and adults! Poppa Smurf appeared before the South Carolina Department of Parole and Pardon board in March of 2019 and received a full pardon for all his past legal mistakes! Poppa Smurf now works for the city of Charleston’s environmental services and has been promoted to route leader! Poppa Smurf has one main concern for his community and that’s to prevent any other youth from traveling the destructive path that almost caused him to lose his life and/or spend the rest of it in prison! Throughout the community, Poppa Smurf is well known for two quotes! “I COME IN PEACE” AND “I’M ONLY AS GOOD AS WE ARE TOGETHER.”