Four Philadelphians to be recognized for their commitment to positive change in the community; Chill Moody, the Mann’s Community Artist-in-Residence, to curate performances

PHILADELPHIA (April 13, 2023) — The Mann Center for the Performing Arts will again amplify messages of empowerment, compassion and positive change in Philadelphia with its free community event, Voices of Hope: A Celebration of Black Excellence Powered by TD Bank, taking place on June 18, 2023, 6 -8 p.m. in the TD Pavilion at the Mann. Voices of Hope celebrates African American culture and honors iconic Philadelphia innovators who are contributing to and changing the community of Greater Philadelphia for future generations.

The 2023 Voices of Hope emcee will be Jermaine Dolly, contemporary gospel artist and comedian. The evening will include various performances curated by Philadelphia's own Chill Moody, hip-hop artist and owner of the independent record label, nicethingsMUSIC. Moody is the Mann’s first-ever Community Artist-in-Residence, where he serves as a musical guest and contributor to many of the organization’s education programs, sharing his style, creative spirit, and industry experiences directly with Philadelphia’s youth.

“TD is excited to support the Mann in celebrating and amplifying diverse voices and unifying powerful changemakers in the Philadelphia area to educate and empower future generations,” said Shelley Sylva, TD Bank’s Head of Corporate Citizenship and the Mann Board Member. “At TD, we believe we have a role to play in connecting our communities and bringing people of all backgrounds together to learn from one another. This event will shine a light on important voices in this community while celebrating Black joy and excellence.”

This year’s ceremony will honor Loree D. Jones Brown, CEO of Philabundance, Pennsylvania State Senator Vincent J. Hughes of the 7th District, Sharmain Matlock-Turner, CEO of Urban Affairs Coalition, and Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller, senior pastor of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church.

“These four individuals continue to work tirelessly to uplift the spirit of Philadelphia, make impactful, meaningful improvements, and enhancements to the city, and inspire its residents to continue that positive change in their diverse communities,” said Catherine M. Cahill, president and CEO of the Mann. “The Mann is humbled to be able to honor and looking forward to celebrating with Loree D. Jones Brown, Senator Vincent J. Hughes, Sharmain Matlock-Turner, and Rev. Dr. Alyn E. Waller at this year’s annual Voices of Hope celebration of Black excellence at the Mann Center.”

Jones Brown will receive the Mann’s Innovation Award for Community Impact at the event. In addition to her role as CEO of Philabundance, she has served in top leadership positions in the nonprofit, higher education and government sectors. She is chair of the Philadelphia Health Partnership, vice chair of Health Partners Plans, is on the executive committee for the Eisenhower Fellowships, and serves on the boards of Feeding Pennsylvania and Hunger Free Pennsylvania. She was also recently appointed board chair of the Office of Community Empowerment & Opportunity Oversight Board for the City of Philadelphia, and is a former board member of a wide range of civic organizations like Project HOME, Committee of Seventy, the Police Athletic League (PAL), the World Affairs Council, Operation Understanding, the Philadelphia Planning Commission, and the African American Museum of Philadelphia. Brown is a graduate of Princeton University and Spelman College.

Sen. Hughes will receive the Mann’s Innovation Award for Community Advocacy. A Philadelphia native, he has served in the Pennsylvania State Senate since November 1994 and has also served as the Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee since 2011. Sen. Hughes has a longstanding commitment to providing health insurance for the uninsured and his leadership, public advocacy and legislative strategy led to Pennsylvania’s full implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Alongside his wife, actor Sheryl Lee Ralph, he has been recognized locally and nationally for his work on HIV/AIDS and the challenges of behavioral health in the African American community. He is also a believer in breaking down the financial barriers for underserved students in higher education, and has raised over $1 million in scholarship funds for students to attend college. Sen. Hughes is a leader in the fight for paid sick leave and in creating housing for veterans and survivors of domestic violence.

Matlock-Turner will receive the Innovation Award for Community Advancement. She began her tenure with the Urban Affairs Coalition in March 1999 and is the first woman to lead the Coalition. Along with a diverse Board of Directors, her management team, and nearly 450 employees, Matlock-Turner creates partnerships and builds consensuses to help families reduce poverty and reach the middle class. She has helped the Coalition successfully manage more than $1 billion in public and private funds over its 50-plus year history. She is co-founder and chair emeritus of the 24-year-old West Oak Lane Charter School, co-chair of the Philadelphia City Council’s Special Commission on Poverty Reduction & Prevention, a founding member of the National Network of Fiscal Sponsors and co-chairs the Draw the Lines PA East Steering Committee. Matlock-Turner has received numerous awards including The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Diversity and Inclusion Award and the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO Award.

Rev. Dr. Waller will receive the Innovation Award for Inspirational Excellence. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, he is a highly sought after revivalist, lecturer and musician, having lectured at numerous institutions throughout the United States, including Union Theological Seminary in New York City, Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary and the Center for Urban Theological Studies in Philadelphia, and The National Bible Conference presented by The California State Baptist Convention. Serving as pastor of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church since 1994, Rev. Dr. Waller ministers with the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Mass Choir and has led his membership to form the Enon Coulter Community Development Corporation (ECDC), a nonprofit community development corporation that provides educational and support services to children and families. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music business from Ohio University in Athens, a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky., and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Ministry to Marriage and Family from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania.

Voices of Hope was created by Naomi Gonzalez, chief education community engagement officer and vice president for the Mann. The free program is open to the public, providing enriching access to music and inspiration. For more information, visit www.manncenter.org/voicesofhope.

About the Mann

As one of the foremost outdoor music centers in the country, the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, a leading non-profit organization, has a historical legacy of artistic excellence as a world-class entertainment destination presenting premier artists, now in association with Live Nation Entertainment. Each summer season, renowned symphony orchestras, iconic rock stars and the latest touring artists in indie rock, hip hop, R&B and pop take the stage here. The Mann is the summer home of The Philadelphia Orchestra and has presented critically acclaimed performers in every decade since the 1930s. Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park, the Mann hosts more than 200,000 visitors annually. Signature concert experiences are surrounded by Philadelphia’s stunning skyline and include seats beneath the Mann’s acoustically acclaimed TD Pavilion; picnics, blankets and music under the stars on its Great Lawn or at the top of the hill at the Skyline Stage; and dining in Crescendo, the venue’s spectacular tented restaurant. In addition, the Mann’s Education & Community Engagement Program reaches tens of thousands of young people annually through free programming and educational initiatives as well as its virtual Mann Music Room. For more information, visit www.manncenter.org.

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