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May 6, 2022
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The Mann is pleased to announce that Voices of Hope: A Celebration of Black Excellence will return to an in-person event on May 6, 2022 at the Mann Center! This annual celebration honors Philadelphia trailblazers who embody a culture of compassion and positive change. We aim to spotlight a level of excellence for younger generations to strive toward.
This year, the Mann Center will honor six inspirational Philadelphians:
Carol Riddick
Innovation Award for Artistic Excellence
Robert & Benjamin Bynum (SOUTH)
Innovation Award for Culinary Excellence
Valarie Cofield (Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council)
Innovation for Community Advancement
Leslie Smallwood-Lewis & Gregory Reaves (Mosaic Development Partners)
Innovation Award for Community Impact
With every Voices of Hope event, the Mann curates a special lineup of artist performances. The evening will feature performances by three amazing artists including Philadelphia’s own Chill Moody, GRAMMY® Award-nominated artists Eric Wortham II and Carol Riddick, whom the Mann admires as long-standing partners in their community-focused and educational programming. The emcee for the evening will be Brandon Pankey, Vice President of Business Development & Operations for Live Nation Urban and founder of APEX Video Network. The keynote speaker for the evening will be 2020 Voices of Hope honoree and President of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake.
Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake
Keynote Speaker
The central theme for this year's Voices of Hope celebration is joy, with focuses on music, culinary, uplifting the community and unsung heroes. Focusing on these universal themes by amplifying the incredible contributions of African American culture can be unifying and powerful, which is what we all need now more than ever.
LEARN MORE:
The Mann Center for the Performing Arts takes pride in amplifying messages of empowerment, compassion, and positive change in Philadelphia with its annual Celebration of Black Excellence: Voices of Hope. Through this creative placemaking event, the Mann creates an opportunity to shine a light on our Parkside neighborhood. Through educational and community-driven programs, the Mann is celebrated as a destination for arts entertainment and creative learning in West Philadelphia. Collaboration and creative placemaking are two anchor initiatives that drive the Mann and serve as a foundation to its vision, mission, and values.
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 of Greater Philadelphia. 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.
The central theme for the 2022 Voices of Hope celebration is Joy, focusing on music, culinary arts, uplifting the community, and unsung heroes. Focusing on these universal themes and the incredible contributions of African American culture is unifying and powerful needed now more than ever.
Prelude
Mad Beatz Drumline
School District DJ – DENIM STANBACK, A.K.A SHE’J Q’DEE
Welcome
Brandon Pankey, Host
Opening Remarks
Catherine M. Cahill, President & CEO
Mann Center for the Performing Arts
Artist Sponsor Introduction Shelley R. Sylva
Head of U.S. Corporate Citizenship at TD
Artist Performance
Chill Moody
Chill Moody - Vocals
Hiruy Tirfe - Saxophone
Max Hoenig - Keyboards
Jonathan Smith - Bass
Lionel Forester Jr - Drums
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Lorina Marshall-Blake
2020 Voices of Hope honoree,
President of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation
2022 Innovation Award – Culinary Excellence
Benjamin Bynum Jr. & Robert Bynum, SOUTH
2022 Innovation Award – Community Impact
Leslie Smallwood-Lewis & Gregory Reaves
Partners and Co-founders of Mosaic Development Partners
Artist Performance
Eric Wortham II
Accompanied by:
Jon Smith - Bass
Lionel Forester - Drums
Simon Martinez - Guitar
Rick Tate - Sax
Aaron Drape - Percussion
2022 Innovation Award – Community Advancement
Valarie Cofield
President & CEO of Eastern Minority Supplier Development Council
2022 Innovation Award – Artistic Excellence
Carol Riddick
National Trustee and former Chapter President for The Recording Academy®
Artist Performance
Carol Riddick
Eric Wortham II
Accompanied by:
Jon Smith - Bass
Lionel Forester - Drums
Simon Martinez - Guitar
Rick Tate - Sax
Aaron Drape - Percussion
Final Remarks
Brandon Pankey, Host
