Patti LaBelle named guest of honor at Community College of Philadelphia’s Rhythm and RISE 60th anniversary celebration

Rhythm and RISE celebrates 60 years of CCP with a music-filled, house party on the College’s home court

PHILADELPHIA — Community College of Philadelphia is proud to announce Patti LaBelle as guest of honor at the College’s upcoming Rhythm and RISE celebration on June 9. The music superstar and Philadelphia native will be presented a Lifetime Achievement Award during the 60th anniversary event.

Rhythm and RISE commemorates 60 years of CCP through a musical journey of Philadelphia’s sound, past and present, with live performances by CCP students and Spring Garden Records artists. DJ TouchTone will set the energy all night and attendees will hear from Vertical Current, led by past Artist in Residence Christopher Michael Stevens. Every ticket purchased supports CCP’s mission of helping students rise up and complete their higher education goals.

As part of the community celebration, College leadership will present a Lifetime Achievement Award to Patti LaBelle for her musical, entertainment, and humanitarian influence in Philadelphia.

“Few voices have shaped our culture as profoundly as Patti LaBelle’s. A true Philadelphia icon, her artistry and humanitarian spirit, especially her support of the United Negro College Fund’s mission to expand educational opportunity, reflect the very values we uphold at CCP,” said Dr. Alycia Marshall, president of CCP. “As we mark our historic 60-year anniversary, it is our honor to celebrate her legacy and invite our community to join us for an inspiring evening of music, love, learning, and unity in the heart of Philadelphia.”

An award-winning entertainer, author and entrepreneur, LaBelle evolved from a choir member to lead vocalist for Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles and, later, Labelle, to a solo artist. Belting out classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets have created the unique platform of versatility that she is known and revered for.

“I am truly honored to receive this most prestigious honor from Community College of Philadelphia!” Patti LaBelle said. “Everything I’ve tried to build in my life began with the people who believed in me here in Philadelphia, long before I believed in myself. And to the students here just beginning your journey, may you discover the people who believe in you, and may you become someone who believes boldly in yourselves.”

In addition to her contributions to entertainment, LaBelle’s work as a humanitarian is also particularly noteworthy. She remains an advocate for adoption, diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS and many other causes and nonprofit initiatives.

The event also serves to showcase the College’s talented students, and includes student artwork on display; a live pottery wheel and other art demonstrations; hors d’oeuvres created by Culinary Arts students and served by Tourism and Hospitality Management students; performances by Theater students; and a kit car activation by Automotive Technology students.

Rhythm and RISE will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. June 9 in the CCP Athletics Center, 1700 Spring Garden Street. Dinner and libations will be available. This year’s event will take the place of the College’s annual Black & Gold Gala.

Tickets to Rhythm and RISE are available at ccp.edu/rhythm60.

The College is celebrating its 60th anniversary throughout the year. Engage with stories about the people, events, and issues important to the College over the years at ccp.edu/60.

If you would like to attend CCP’s Rhythm and RISE 60th anniversary celebration on behalf of your news organization, please email Antwon R. Martin at armartin [at] ccp.edu (armartin[at]ccp[dot]edu).

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About Community College of Philadelphia 

Community College of Philadelphia is the largest public institution of higher education in the City of Philadelphia. With an open admissions policy, the College serves all who may benefit – regardless of age, income, or ability. For more than 60 years, the College has lived up to its mission and goals by providing educational access for over 750,000 Philadelphians, setting families, businesses and neighborhoods on the path of shared prosperity and opportunity. For information on the College's degree and certificate programs, workforce development strategies, and community engagement initiatives, visit ccp.edu and follow us on social media @CCPedu.