AFRICA
Celebrating 15 years of theatre arts in Liberia West Africa
Since 2010, B4YT has served hundreds of children in Liberia, West Africa, training them to serve as Arts Instructors who lead their own program sites across the country.
LIBERIA WEST AFRICA
In 2023, Dr. Jasmine Blanks Jones, founder of B4YT, stepped down as Executive Director, passing the torch to Ms. Hannah McKay, a former youth participant. McKay’s leadership exemplifies B4YT’s commitment to youth empowerment, sustainability, and the continued use of the arts to drive education, advocacy, and community resilience.
In a significant milestone, B4YT acquired a building on Gboveh Campus in Gbarnga City, currently being renovated as a permanent hub for expanding programming. Additionally, in 2023, Dr. Blanks Jones and production participants were recognized for their contributions to "200 Years of Returns," a project celebrating the historical ties between Liberia and the U.S. This project involved performances at key sites in Liberia, including Providence Island and Bong County Technical College, and emphasized the amplification of Indigenous voices.
B4YT took a monumental step by acquiring a building on Gboveh Campus in Gbarnga City, which is being renovated as a hub for expanded programming. This permanent space reflects its commitment to long-term community impact.
This international initiative, which also highlighted the rich culture of Liberia and the historic partnership between Baltimore and Gbarnga City, exemplified global civic engagement, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and community collaboration.
