June 6
TD Pavilion
Voices of Hope is a free community event that celebrates African American culture and iconic Philadelphia innovators who are contributing to and changing the community. Our annual celebration honors Philadelphia trailblazers who embody a culture of compassion and growth. We aim to spotlight a level of aspirational excellence for younger generations. This
free cultural convening of Black Excellence, originally the Mann’s annual Black History Month event, has now evolved into our premier celebration of Philadelphia’s Black leaders and trailblazers.
Held in June, Voices of Hope commemorates Black Music Month and acknowledges the Juneteenth holiday. The central theme for the 2024 Voices of Hope event is “Moving the Needle Forward, Looking to the Future,” focusing on music and culture, uplifting communities, and paving the way for the next generation of leaders. Zeroing in on these universal themes by amplifying the incredible contributions of Black culture in ways that are unifying and powerful is what we all need more of, especially now.
This year, the Mann will honor four entities:
Hon. Cherelle L. Parker
Mayor of Philadelphia
Sulaiman W. Rahman
Founder and CEO, DiverseForce
Bernard Smalley
National Bar Association and The Barristers' Association
Dr. Delana Wardlaw and Dr. Elana McDonald
Twin Sister Docs
The evening will also have various performances featuring Philadelphia-based artists. The Voices of Hope emcee will be award-winning marketing architect, philanthropist, and community builder, Rashaad Lambert.
Doors
Presented By
The Mann
Artists, repertoire, and content subject to change.
All Ages
Prelude in the Plaza
Community Mural Activity
Lead by visual artist Christian Rodriguez (TAMEARTZ)
in partnership with Mural Arts
Welcome Remarks
Rashaad Lambert
Ceremony Host
Opening Remarks
Catherine M. Cahill
President & CEO, Mann Center for the Performing Arts
TD Bank Sponsor Introduction
Shelly Renee Sylvia
Artist Performance
The Studio Wednesday House Band
Chill Moody, Artistic Curator
Keynote Speaker
Angela Val
President & CEO of VISIT PHILADELPHIA®
Innovation Award for Community Trailblazer
Bernard Smalley
National Bar Association & The Barristers’ Association
Artist Performance
Jermaine Dolly
Innovation Award for Community Impact
Dr. Delana Wardlaw & Dr. Elana McDonald
Twin Sister Docs
Innovation Award for Community Advancement
Sulaiman W. Rahman
Founder & CEO, DiverseForce
Artist Performance
Suzann Christine
Innovation Award for Community Advocacy
Honorable Cherelle L. Parker
Mayor of Philadelphia
Artist Performance
Zeek Burse
Closing Remarks
Rashaad Lambert
