Voices of Hope: An Event in Celebration of Black Excellence

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.

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 Eric Wortham (pianist for Jill Scott and Adele), Aliyah Khalyn, 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 SheJQDee. 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-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.