Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe was honored by the Florida Department of State’s Division of Cultural Affairs with a Diversity and Inclusion Award for its ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in Sarasota and Manatee counties. WBTT will receive its award, along with other honorees, at a special ceremony on January 24th in Tallahassee. WBTT was recognized for its free community lecture series, “WBTT Voices,” which examines the people and issues that have shaped the African-American experience in the United States. Programs feature appearances by artists, playwrights, professors and theatre professionals. The forums have all been at full capacity since the program began in 2014. Past WBTT Voices forums have examined the influence of Black entertainers on civil rights, the life and work of W. E. B. DuBois and the immigrant experience in southwest Florida in this past fall’s special “Hidden Voices” program. On February 5th, WBTT Voices will feature star of stage, screen and studio Melba Moore, who will be performing in WBTT's production of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill.

Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe