PHILADELPHIA (Feb. 4, 2025) – In 2023, the Mann Center for the Performing Arts and its longtime corporate sponsor TD Bank designed and debuted what would become one of the country’s largest college festivals showcasing the opportunities and rich culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), with more than 30,000 registrants. This year, on May 17, the HBCU Festival presented by TD Bank will return to the Mann’s Fairmount Park campus to again inspire students and their families with the HBCU experience and engage people at all ages and stages of their education and career.
The festival, which is free to attend and is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., will include:
- an expansive college fair with representatives from 25 HBCUs such as Cheyney, Morgan State and Howard universities;
- a career fair comprised of Philadelphia-area employers, trade unions and apprentice programs;
- a community fair to spotlight the many organizations and Black-owned businesses that contribute to the vibrancy of the Parkside and West Philadelphia neighborhoods;
- a full day of rousing performances by HBCU drumlines, choirs and cheer squads;
- a wellness zone featuring free health resources, screenings, representatives and more from Jefferson Health and additional institutions;
- master classes conducted by HBCU performers for Philadelphia high schoolers; and
- family fun activities, food trucks, and more.
"Hosting a college and career fair is important because it creates important connections, and when young people can see what’s possible for their future selves, they can achieve it, and that’s good for those students and their families,” said Catherine M. Cahill, Mann president and CEO. “With our sponsor at TD Bank, we couldn’t be more pleased to be bringing this exciting day back this year. The energy that envelops our campus when storied HBCU drumlines, choirs and dancers take the stage and while young people are getting a glimpse of what their own futures can hold, it’s unlike anything else.”
"TD is thrilled to once again sponsor the HBCU Festival, a celebration that encapsulates the rich heritage and contributions of historically black colleges and universities within our communities," said Paige Carlson-Heim, Head of U.S. Social Impact for TD Bank. "This event has something for everyone from dynamic performances to master classes to spotlighting local Black-owned businesses. It also reaffirms our support of HBCUs, creates a space to amplify their importance and forms a connection point for TD to engage, inspire and recruit high performing talent who will serve as leaders in their careers."
Confirmed performers include:
- The Aeolians of Oakwood University
- Howard University Gospel Choir
- Cold Steel Drumline & Cool Mist Dancers of North Carolina A&T University
- Powerhouse of Red & White of Winston Salem State University
- Jeremy Winston Chorale International
College fair participants to include:
- Coppin State University,
- Cheyney University,
- Morgan State University,
- Howard University,
- Winston Salem State University,
- Oakwood University,
- Tuskegee University,
- Grambling State University,
- and more to be announced.
The HBCU Festival presented by TD Bank is now a hallmark event of the Mann’s robust music education and workforce development initiatives for Philadelphia youth. Other initiatives include the Mann’s Music Industry Training Program (MITP) with students from Overbrook High School and School of the Future, as well as its brand new, post-high school theater tech training program, the Music Industry Apprenticeship Program (MIAP).
TD Bank’s sponsorship supporting the second HBCU Festival deepens the Bank's strong relationship with the Mann. Nearly six years ago, TD Bank generously invested in the Mann with the naming of the venue’s main pavilion, now TD Pavilion. Since then, TD has supported the Mann’s “Jazz Under the Stars” series and many community engagement efforts including the Mann’s Voices of Hope annual celebration honoring local community leaders.
To register for the 2025 HBCU Festival, visit manncenter.org/hbcu.
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, jazz 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 400,000 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 Highmark Skyline Stage @ the Mann; 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. The Mann's unique setting also provides an unparalleled opportunity to activate the campus's six unique event spaces available to host concert presentations, intimate gatherings, corporate events, and private functions. For more information, visit www.manncenter.org.
About TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank®
TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S. by assets, providing over 10 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,100 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Auto Finance, a division of TD Bank, N.A., offers vehicle financing and dealer commercial services. TD Bank and its subsidiaries also offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J. To learn more, visit www.td.com/us. Find TD Bank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TDBank and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/TDBank_US/.
TD Bank is a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, a top 10 North American bank. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol "TD". To learn more, visit www.td.com/us.
Media Contacts
Grace Hanlon
ghanlon@devinepartners.com
Monet Irving
Monet.irving@td.com
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