June 23
TD Pavilion at Highmark Mann

Welcome to Voices of Hope: An Event in Celebration of Black Excellence! This annual event celebrates Philadelphia’s trailblazers who embody a culture of compassion and positive change. In honor of Highmark Mann’s Golden 50th Anniversary, this year’s celebration highlights individuals who are Building Tomorrow Today.

We are proud to celebrate the following honorees, whose dedication and leadership uplift and guide the Philadelphia community and beyond:

• Council President Kenyatta Johnson

  Philadelphia City Council

• Tiffany Tavarez 
  Jefferson, Vice President, Community Impact & Strategic Partnerships

• Dr. Ashley Jordan
  African American Museum in Philadelphia, President & CEO

• Kenneth Lawrence
  Highmark Blue Shield, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Southeastern Pennsylvania

• Free Library of Philadelphia
  Kelly Richards, President and Director
  Monique Moore Pryor, Esq., President and Executive Director of The Free Library Foundation

• Charlie Mack
  Community Advocate

Sharrie Williams, co-anchor of Action News at 5 and Action News at 10 on PHL17, will host the ceremony. Joseph Meade, Senior Vice President, Government & Regulatory Affairs for Comcast Spectacor, will deliver the keynote speech.

This year’s Voices of Hope musical lineup honors one of Philadelphia’s most influential cultural institutions: Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Art (CAPA). 

Founded in 1978, CAPA is a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s arts education community. Through its rigorous preparatory program in both academics and the arts, the pioneering public high school has cultivated generations of artists across various mediums. CAPA alumni include acclaimed artists like Boyz II Men, Questlove, Black Thought, Jazmine Sullivan, and Leslie Odom Jr., among thousands of others who began their artistic journeys at CAPA.

Voices of Hope will feature performances by CAPA alumni Aliyah Khaylyn, Julian King, and Seraiah Nicole. The ceremony will also feature performances by Hiruy Tirfe Quintet as the House Band, which includes CAPA-affiliated musicians, as well as CAPA alumna DJ She'J QDee. Dancers of CAPA curated by CAPA's Current Director of Dance & Alumna Stephanie Denby will perform a special tribute honoring the late LeDeva Davis, beloved former CAPA dance teacher and 2019 Voices of Hope honoree.

Complimentary light refreshments are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tours of Plaza and Hall of Fame 5:45pm

Pre-Ceremony Celebration 6pm-7pm
DJ She’J QDee
Hiruy Tirfe Quintet House Band

Welcome Remarks
Sharrie Williams, Co-anchor of Action News at 5 and Action News at 10 on PHL17, Ceremony Host

Opening Remarks
Catherine M. Cahill, President & CEO, Highmark Mann

Artist Performance
Seraiah Nicole

Keynote Speaker
Joseph Meade: Senior Vice President, Government & Regulatory Affairs for Comcast Spectacor

Voices of Hope Innovation Award: Community Impact
Council President Kenyatta Johnson, Philadelphia City Council

Voices of Hope Innovation Award: Community Advocacy
Tiffany Tavarez, Jefferson, Vice President, Community Impact & Strategic Partnership

Artist Performance
Julian King

Remarks by Joan Roebuck-Carter
Senior Vice President & Chief Advancement Officer, Highmark Mann

Voices of Hope Innovation Award: Cultural Preservation
Dr. Ashley Jordan, African American Museum in Philadelphia, President & CEO

Voices of Hope Innovation Award: Social Legacy
Kenneth Lawrence, Highmark Blue Shield, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs for Southeastern Pennsylvania

Artist Performance
Aliyah Khaylyn

Special Dance Tribute to the Late LaDeva Davis, 2019 Voices of Hope Recipient
Coordinated by CAPA Dance Teacher, Stephanie Demby

Voices of Hope Innovation Award: Educational Excellence
Free Library of Philadelphia
Kelly Richards, President and Director
Monique Moore Pryor, Esq., President and Executive Director of The Free Library Foundation

Voices of Hope Innovation Award: Artistic Excellence
Charlie Mack
Community Advocate

Closing Remarks