The Gannett Foundation selected the 2020 national grants recipients based on the proposed projects’ viability, sustainability, community need and community building properties and service to historically marginalized and/or under-resourced groups. After receiving more than 900 submissions from organizations across 45 states, A Community Thrives is awarding $2.3 million in grants: $1 million in National Project Grants and $1.3 million in Local Operating Grants. WBL was selected to receive $25,000 for its Creative Employment initiative which offers courses in music production, visual/meGannett Foundationdia arts, performing arts, and the humanities to underrepresented students with the goal of the participants becoming active participants in the DC/ National creative economy.

This year WBL will roll out two new programs: Like a Boss and Walk it Like I Talk it. Like a Boss sets local youth up to obtain the tools and networking skills they need to pursue a postsecondary education, chart their own path towards entrepreneurship and employment, and make connections between art and potential career/education routes associated with the Creative Economy. Walk It Like I Talk It empowers youth voices and provides a platform for them to research and archive important DC history through the arts and humanities.