Smith, a Ph.D. candidate in Afro-American Studies and Public History at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, serves as a history and interpretive fellow at the Great Barrington-based center. His efforts focus on the legacy of W.E.B. Du Bois and the cultural landscape of the Berkshires. Beyond his fellowship, he acts as the Executive Director of the Black Grassroots Heritage Preservation Network, a platform dedicated to supporting Black-led historical initiatives across the country.

The award includes a $15,000 grant and promotional support for Smith and his institution. William Clements, Vice President of Sponsorships at Mars, Inc., noted that the selection highlights the essential role of community advocates in protecting the stories that define the American experience. Smith emphasized that the recognition arrives at a pivotal time, noting that the country’s 250th anniversary offers a necessary opportunity to examine how historical narratives continue to shape modern identity. The selection committee, comprised of museum and history professionals, chose Smith from a pool of applicants nominated earlier this year.