13th Annual Celebration of Diversity Awards Bios

Randall Reid-Smith

Randall Reid-Smith, of Barboursville, has served as the Governor’s Cabinet Secretary for the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History since February 2024. He continues to serve as the Commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, a position he has held since 2006. In both roles, Reid-Smith administers the State Arts Office, the West Virginia State Archives, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Library section and the West Virginia State Museum. In addition, he oversees the Educational Broadcasting Authority, West Virginia Volunteer Services and the National Coal Heritage Area Authority. 

He is an accomplished opera singer who has won numerous competitions at the state and regional levels and is listed in the International Who’s Who of Music and Musicians. Since the mid-1980s, Reid-Smith has maintained an international career as an operatic tenor. He taught at colleges around the country, and currently is an Adjunct Professor of Voice at West Virginia State University. Before returning to his native West Virginia, Reid-Smith served as the Director of Education and Outreach and Production at the Toledo Opera Association in Toledo, Ohio.

Malia Courts

Malia Courts is the proud recipient of the inaugural title of Miss Black Talented Teen West Virginia 2025, representing the state in the prestigious Miss Black USA competition. With a platform dedicated to combating bullying, Malia advocates for both the individuals who are bullied and those who bully, emphasizing the importance of counseling and support for all. Her mission is to foster community connections and promote kindness, believing that by coming together and treating one another with respect, we can create a better world. 

A passionate and driven young leader, Malia is excited to engage with other accomplished Black teens across the country and to represent Black pride and excellence through the Miss Black USA organization. Grateful for the support she has received, Malia looks forward to the opportunities and growth this journey will bring, and she is committed to making a positive impact in her community and beyond.