Honoring Legacy Through Action: A Look Back at the 3rd Annual WBR Empowerment Legacy Scholarship Reception

On August 18, 2022, the Ridley family proudly gathered with friends, supporters, and community champions to celebrate the 3rd Annual WBR Empowerment Legacy Scholarship Reception—a heartfelt evening honoring the enduring life and legacy of Walter B. Ridley, former Director of the DC Department of Corrections and a lifelong advocate for justice, redemption, and restoration.

In keeping with his mission to help others rise above the barriers of incarceration and stigma, the Foundation awarded multiple scholarships to deserving individuals directly or indirectly impacted by the criminal legal system. The evening served not only as a tribute to Mr. Ridley’s legacy, but also as a tangible continuation of his belief that “helping someone along the way” was the true measure of a life well lived.

✨ This year’s scholarships were awarded to:

• A resilient young woman recently released from incarceration, courageously navigating the challenges of reentry and staying committed to her path forward.

• An 18-year-old high school senior with an incarcerated parent, preparing to graduate and build a future of purpose and promise.

• Returning scholarship recipients from the prior year, each of whom received additional stipends to continue their educational and vocational journeys.

In addition, new mentees recently released from incarceration and children of currently incarcerated parents were honored, embraced, and uplifted during the reception—underscoring the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to second chances, intergenerational healing, and community restoration.

The Eagle Level Sponsorship made this all possible.
Thanks to our generous Eagle sponsors, we were able to:

• Award three scholarships to justice-impacted individuals in the following categories:

  1. A formerly incarcerated senior (50+ years old) released after serving over 20 years

  2. A recently released young adult or adult

  3. A child or teen with a currently incarcerated parent

• Provide stipends to existing mentees in the WBRELF program to further their education, training, and personal development.

 The evening was unforgettable.
Held at The Mansion—one of Mr. Ridley’s favorite venues—the celebration featured:

• A pre-reception with sponsored mentees and invited guests

• Live music, warm connections, inspirational moments, and a few heartfelt surprises

• Recognition of sponsors on-stage and in our program book

• A full-table sponsorship experience, complete with brand visibility, reserved seating, and photography with mentees

• And most importantly—a room filled with hope, joy, and living proof that legacies like Mr. Ridley’s continue to make a difference

 The WBR Empowerment Legacy Foundation operates entirely through donations and sponsorships. Thanks to our community of donors, we are proud to continue offering resources, mentorship, and support to those striving to rebuild their lives and break cycles of incarceration.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this event a success and look forward to building even greater impact together.

“I will have lived my life in vain if I didn’t help somebody along the way.”
—Walter B. Ridley

A Look Back: 2nd Annual WBR Empowerment Legacy Scholarship Reception

In keeping with Walter B. Ridley’s life mission of helping others, the 2nd Annual WBR Empowerment Legacy Scholarship Reception was held virtually and proved to be a beautiful and powerful tribute to his enduring legacy.

Established the year prior to commemorate his unwavering commitment to supporting formerly incarcerated individuals, this year’s event expanded that mission with heartfelt stories, uplifting testimonies, and meaningful community connection.

We proudly celebrated three young men who broke the cycle of recidivism, offering continued support and mentorship to sustain their progress—despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we welcomed a formerly incarcerated young woman, whose courage, transparency, and determination touched us all. Her journey reminds us of why this work matters.

The evening was filled with everything Walter Ridley loved—inspiration, community, joy, and impact. Guests gathered on Zoom, donning their bowties and best smiles, to enjoy uplifting testimonies from our mentees, live entertainment “Walter Ridley style,” and the warmth of virtual hugs and connection.

Tokens of appreciation were sent to attendees near and far as a thank-you for helping make the evening so special. Once again, tickets sold out quickly, and the overwhelming response reminded us that Walter’s mission lives on in all of us.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, stood with us, and poured into our scholarship recipients. Your generosity, belief, and presence made a lasting impact—and we can’t wait to gather again.

That evening affirmed, more than ever, our sacred responsibility: to stand beside these individuals, to uplift their journeys, and to invest in their efforts to build meaningful lives—lives rooted in purpose, stability, and freedom from future justice involvement.

Their courage called us higher. And we answered—committed to being not just a support system, but a source of hope, advocacy, and unwavering belief in their ability to thrive.