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 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