Despite torrential rain and a tornado warning, hope filled the air—and every seat—at our Empowered Uth: Cultiv8 Hope Closing Ceremony & Award Celebration, held on Juneteenth 2025 at Our House Culture Center in Philadelphia. The venue reached full capacity as families, community leaders, artists, and educators gathered to witness the culmination of a youth-led movement built on vision, vulnerability, and VOICE.
This unforgettable evening marked the finale of our Cultiv8 Hope initiative, a months-long storytelling project that invited Philadelphia-area BIPOC youth (ages 13–18) to explore what HOPE means to them, and how the adults in their lives can better support their dreams and well-being. Through spoken word, original music, multimedia projects, and visual art, our youth didn’t just talk about hope—they activated it.
Honoring Youth Voices, Rewarding Youth Vision
The ceremony was masterfully hosted by the dynamic Sincerely Syreeta, who brought both heart and energy to every moment. One of the most moving highlights came from a 20-year-old participant who wrote and performed an original anthem entitled “I Got Hope.” The entire room was moved by the encouraging energy and power of her message.
What began as a $10,000 prize pool grew into $12,000 in total awards, thanks to additional support and donations. Ancillary prizes were also distributed to youth whose projects may not have taken top honors, but who showed extraordinary creativity, courage, and commitment to the process. No one left empty-handed—every young person left affirmed, celebrated, and seen.
Judging Panel with Purpose and Presence
We were honored to have welcomed a stellar panel of judges who brought relevant experience and compassion to the moment:
- Ramon Jones, Executive Director, The Recording Academy – Philadelphia Chapter
- Joie Kathos, Performer and Educator
- Ash Phillips, Singer/Songwriter and Teaching Artist
- Rev. Steven T. Mack, Senior Pastor, Little Rock Baptist Church
Their thoughtful engagement with each youth submission ensured that the spirit of the evening stayed grounded in love, accountability, and real community support.
Rooted in Purpose, Funded by Community
The Cultiv8 Hope initiative was made possible by the financial support of grant-making organizations that believe in youth-led change:
- The Forfeiture Fund from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office
- The Philadelphia City Fund
- HealthSpark Foundation Dr. Frank Boston Black Justice Fund
With their partnership, we were able to dream—and deliver—an experience that reminded everyone in the room that hope is a collective responsibility.
A Word from Our Founder
“On a day that celebrates liberation, we got a glimpse of the hope for liberation in action,” said Melonie Butler, Founder of I Choose To Win. “Even with the storms, people showed up. Because hope isn’t just a feeling—it’s a movement. And our youth are leading it.”
Thank You to All Who Made It Possible
To the youth who created, shared, and stood boldly in their truth—thank you. To the parents, caregivers, and educators who supported their journeys—thank you. To the judges, partners, volunteers, and funders—thank you. And to the community that came out in the rain to witness this brilliance—you are part of the hope that is being cultivated in Philadelphia!
About Cultiv8 Hope: An initiative of I Choose To Win, Cultiv8 Hope helps youth identify and lean into their hopes and dreams while inviting adults to listen and take action. It’s about more than storytelling—it’s about legacy-building.
Stay connected with us to hear more about future projects that honor the voices of our youth and continue cultivating hope across Philadelphia.