“We gon’ need more than a month.”
Chill Moody reminds us in his performance on Feb. 26 which closed out Voices of Hope, the Mann Center for the Performing Arts’ annual Black History Month celebration, that just because the month has ended, the time to celebrate Black culture and achievement must not stop there. The spoken word poem, “More Than a Month,” was just one in a collection of poignant musical pieces that Chill Moody, a hip-hop artist and entrepreneur from Philadelphia, showcased on the virtual Mann Music Room: Learn platform.
D+P was fortunate to help bring public awareness to Chill Moody’s performance and the rest of the Mann’s month-long musical celebration of Black history and excellence. Saantis Davis, a percussionist and educator from Philadelphia, kicked off the Mann’s celebration in early February with a West African percussion performance from his band Benu Ausar Philly. Viewers then received a taste of gospel from Dr. J Donald Dumpson and the Arch Street Presbyterian Church choir.
Next came a showcase from jazz pianist Eric Wortham II, also from Philadelphia, who has toured with Jill Scott, Adele and other renowned artists. During his performance, Eric talked about how he perceives Jazz as an instrument to help African Americans push forward despite trying times.
And while music was the centerpiece of celebration, health care advocacy for communities, particularly those of color, was also recognized and promoted. Rev. Dr. Lorina Marshall Blake, president of Independence Blue Cross Foundation, was honored for her work on health and wellness in Greater Philadelphia with Voices of Hope’s 2021 Innovation Award.
Thanks to our client, the Mann, for inspiring our community to celebrate diversity and hope in the months, years and lifetime ahead.
