Politics drew Tavis at an early age of 13 while attending a political fundraiser. At his place of study, Maconaquah High School, Smiley actively participated in the debate activities and was a part of the student council. He then went to the Indiana University Bloomington in the year 1982. He went their without the financial aid of his parents and in order to make his ends meet he worked along with his studies. Smiley’s penchant for being into politics continued here also and he was chosen as the director of minority affairs in the dormitory where he worked. Later, he also got a job at the Bloomington Mayor’s office at the rate of $5 per hour. Next, after repeated attempts of request, Tavis secured an internship in the office Los Angeles Mayor, Tom Bradley, and however, this internship was unpaid. For a living Bloomington community Progress council gave $5000 funds to Smiley. He worked with Bradley till the year 1990 and in the year 2003, Tavis finally received his degree in Public affairs from the Indiana University.

Smiley’s radio career was a result of his fourth position in an election for a seat of the Los Angeles City Council. He presented a daily show, ‘The Smiley Report’ an one minute segment on the KGFJ radio. In the year 1996, he was often heard commenting for the nationally broadcasted show, ‘The Tom Joyner Morning Show,’ where he focussed on public problems including those due to the discriminatory practices of the government. His stint as a political commentator then began and he made a number of appearances on MSNBC, ABC and CNN for political discussions.

Smiley hosted the show, ‘BET Tonight’ on the Black Entertainment television from the year 1996 to 2001. At present, Smiley is the host of, ‘The Tavis Smiley Show’ on National Public Radio and a late night broadcasting show, ‘Tavis Smiley’ displayed on Public Broadcasting services. He is also connected with the show Democracy Now!

Smiley has been a Philanthropist throughout his life, through his shows he has brought forward the critical issues of minorities and in person he has done a lot for their upliftment. The Smiley group, Inc. works in the communications field to bring forward the talent of minorities. He has also founded Tavis Smiley Foundation in the year 1999, which focuses their funds on programs to develop the youth as leaders of the society.

Some of his recognitions include 16 honorary doctorates, a star in Hollywood walk of fame, Du Bois Medal from Harvard University.

Travis is not known to have a wife as of now. His other achievements include writing inspirational books and he has written a lot of them.