Bruce Wiley, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“Mom required us to watch Channel 12 as a part of our television viewing. WHYY was telling stories that you couldn’t find anywhere else, we watched civil rights speeches from our living room. Mom picked WHYY because it told the truth, and it helped me make the right decisions.”

Bruce C. Wiley grew up in the North Philadelphia neighborhood of Brewerytown in the 1960s; his mother, Voleta McNair, a professional seamstress, encouraged him to pursue music, athletics, and volunteerism. Her efforts paid off—Bruce received a community scholarship to Villanova, where he played basketball, participated in the radio station and found his passion for communications. When Bruce decided to honor his mother’s memory, he made a tribute gift to WHYY to celebrate the value that his mother placed on education, community, and equity.