Sarasota's Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe was recently 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. The troupe was recognized for its free community lecture series, WBTT Voices, which examines the people and issues that have shaped the African-American experience. Past WBTT Voices forums have examined the influence of black entertainers on civil rights, the life and work of W. E. B. DuBois, the Florida Highwaymen, the continued influence of playwright August Wilson, the career of Brenda Watty of The Marvelettes and more.