In 2022, the Congressional Award Foundation partnered with the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, & Entertainment and the Deanwood Youth Journalism Program to create season two of the podcast series Cafe Radio. This podcast is designed to educate youth about the program and offer valuable career insights from alumni and leaders. This student-led podcast covers the journeys of six individuals in their quest to earning the Congressional Award Medal and their stories of life after the award.
Tune in on Saturday mornings at 11:30 A.M. ET from June 4, 2022 – July 9, 2022. The radio podcast can be listened or streamed at DC Radio 96.3HD4, DCRADIO.GOV, the DC Radio app, Apple and Spotify, or download individual episodes below.

Deanwood Radio Broadcast Youth Journalism Program with Salih E. Williams

bootsy vegas

Deanwood Radio Broadcast Youth Journalism Program | Washington, DC

Program Director:  Boosty Vegas – Salih “E” Williams

The program was created in 2016 to educate young adults about the importance of broadcast journalism, while learning to advocate for their communities through media.  The program serves 40 teens from Wards 7 & 8 in Washington, DC.  Since 2016, the program has sent 21 students to college to major in mass communications or broadcast journalism.  The program receives no funding and is run out of the Deanwood Recreation Center by the director, Bootsy Vegas.

In partnership with the Congressional Award Foundation, students will gain direct access to members of the Board of Directors, who will serve as mentors and guide the students through the Congressional Award program.  Students will set personally challenging goals in four program areas:  Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness and Explorations.  Upon completion of goals, students will earn Congressional Award Certificates and Medals to be presented by Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton. 

The mentorship program is a part of the CAF Board’s initiative to reach more students of color and make an impact in the DC community.  Deanwood will serve as a pilot for a plan to serve additional communicates that include Detroit, Baltimore and Houston.

Bootsy Vegas, known in the DMV as Salih “E” Williams the pride of DC Public Schools. Bootsy Vegas is a graduate of McKinley Tech and AAMA Broadcasting School. By day Mr. Williams is a teacher educating young people within the Washington, DC school system where his motto is “Saving the Youth one young person at a time” but by night he is known as “E” aka “The 5th Letter” lead talker, go-go legend and party starter for OP Tribe, Obsession and LISSEN go-go band based in Washington DC.

In his travels, Bootsy Vegas has had the privilege to work for the musical legendary group Earth Wind and Fire as a marketing promotions rep where he was mentored by Maurice White, Verdine White, Phillip Bailey and Ralph Johnson. He was also heard on The Donnie Simpson Morning Show as he showed his ultimate DC sport team pride with his famous Redskins Song, this experience provide inspiration to achieve his goal of being on Radio. 

Press Release

The Congressional Award Foundation (CAF) and The DC Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) Launch Season Two of Café Radio, a Youth-Led Radio Podcast Series.