The Faith, Fun and Freedom Black History Celebration, presented by Stage Zone Productions and Dana F. Pannell, was a laughter-filled night that seamlessly blended comedy, culture, and community spirit. Held on Saturday, February 22nd, at the Pilgrim Family Life Center, the event packed the house with an incredible mix of talent and entertainment, ensuring the audience was laughing from start to finish.
Hosted by the charismatic Jordan Bell, the evening kicked off with high energy, and DJ Jerome Buckner’s smooth beats kept the vibe flowing throughout the night. The addition of Tracy Saunders FFWT Steppers brought an extra layer of excitement to the atmosphere, and Vincent Pannell Jr.’s delicious food had guests savoring every moment before the comedy even began.
The first comedian to take the stage, Malcolm Hill, aka the Prince of Philly, immediately had the audience in stitches with his quick wit and hilarious storytelling. He truly set the tone for the night, and the laughs kept rolling. Up next was Derek Lee, a comedian and magician from BET, who wowed the crowd by blending magic and humor. His interactive routine, which included audience members (including kids!), had everyone howling with laughter—especially when he did spot-on look alike celebrities of figures like Al Roker, Ed Bradley, Alica Keys cousins, 3-5 and Eddie Levert. The look-alike jokes, featuring playful takes on Django and Playa Player, had the audience roaring with amusement.
But this event wasn’t just about comedy—it was a celebration of Black culture, history, and the power of artistic expression. Stage Zone Productions, located in the Historic Lawson Building, continues its work in the community with its Art of Emotions program, which offers art-based grief therapy. Beginning in March, free classes will be held at the Melrose Branch Library every second and fourth Tuesday, providing a safe space for individuals to express themselves and work through their emotions.
If you missed this fantastic evening, don’t worry! Stage Zone Productions has plenty more events in store. Keep an eye out for their next gathering—you won’t want to miss the chance to laugh, learn, and connect.
For more information, call 540-492-2367.
