DECADES Returns: A New Season of Stories That Shaped Our Culture

WHUT is proud to welcome back DECADES, our original series dedicated to uncovering the people, places, and moments that have shaped the culture of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area—and beyond.

This new season of DECADES continues our mission to preserve and celebrate history through powerful storytelling. Each episode takes viewers on a journey through time, spotlighting the legacies, movements, and institutions that have left a lasting imprint on our communities. Whether you’re a lifelong Washingtonian or new to the region, this season invites you to reflect on where we’ve been, how far we’ve come, and the stories that continue to shape our shared future.

Featured Episode: Barry’s Blueprint: The Origins of D.C.’s Youth Employment Movement

Season 2 opens with a compelling look at one of the most transformative efforts in Washington, D.C.’s recent history: the creation and expansion of the city’s youth employment programs under Mayor Marion Barry. Barry’s Blueprint traces the roots of what would become the Marion Barry Summer Youth Employment Program and the Youth Leadership Institute—initiatives that provided thousands of young residents with summer jobs, leadership training, and pathways to civic engagement.

Through first-hand testimonials from organizers, participants, and community leaders, this episode showcases how a bold vision for youth empowerment became an enduring legacy of opportunity and community investment. Viewers hear how the program grew from modest beginnings into a cornerstone of economic and leadership development, giving young people meaningful work experience and tools for advocacy.

Barry’s Blueprint is more than a historical recounting—it’s a testament to how intentional public policy can uplift a generation and transform a city’s cultural fabric.

Watch the new season of DECADES on WHUT Mondays at 8:00 pm— including Barry’s Blueprint, on YouTube and on WHUT!

Check local listings for future episode dates and times.

Because our history isn’t just something we study—it’s something we live.