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Voices of Hope: An Event in Celebration of Black Excellence

Voices of Hope Admat


Gates: 5:45PM
Pre-Ceremony Celebration: 6PM
Ceremony: 7PM

Register Here 

Voices of Hope: An Event in Celebration of Black Excellence returns to our stage on June 23, 2026! This annual free 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. Stay tuned for musical performances to be announced.

Complimentary light refreshments are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
 
This event is free with registration. Register now.
 

Voices of Hope Sponsors


Voices of Hope is free and open to the public, providing open access to music and inspiration. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is required and does not guarantee entry.

Past Honorees

Representative Jordan A. Harris, 2025 Innovation Award - Community Impact

Dr. Tony B. Watlington, Sr., 2025 Innovation Award - Inspirational Excellence

Rosalyn J. McPherson, 2025 Innovation Award - Cultural Advocacy

The Links, Inc., 2025 Innovation Award - Community Convener

Bernard Smalley, 2024 Innovation Award - Community Trailblazer

Twin Sister Docs, 2024 Innovation Award - Community Impact

Sulaiman W. Rahman, 2024 Innovation Award - Community Advancement

Honorable Cherelle L. Parker, Mayor of Philadelphia, 2024 Innovation Award - Community Advocacy

Loree D. Jones Brown, 2023 Innovation Award - Community Impact

Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent J. Hughes, 2023 Innovation Award - Community Advocacy

Sharmain Matlock-Turner, 2023 Innovation Award - Community Advancement

Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller, 2023 Innovation Award - Inspirational Excellence

Carol Riddick, 2022 Innovation Award - Artistic Excellence

Robert & Benjamin Bynum, 2022 Innovation Award - Culinary Excellence

Valarie Cofield, 2022 Innovation Award - Community Advancement

Leslie Smallwood-Lewis & Gregory Reaves, 2022 Innovation Award - Community Impact