DALLAS, TX — St. Philip’s School and Community Center proudly celebrated the Grand Opening of the Moody Performing and Fine Arts Center on Saturday, October 18, 2025, marking a new era for arts education in South Dallas. The celebration drew alumni, supporters, and community partners to St. Philip’s historic campus at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, uniting generations with purpose.
The evening’s special guest, Erykah Badu, Dallas native and globally acclaimed artist, returned to her roots at St. Philip’s, where she was a scholar when the institution was still run by nuns. Badu reflected on the profound influence the school had on her own formation, and that of her children, Seven and Puma.
“Education means so very much to me and the way that children are taught. They are like little lumps of clay. You are molding who they are and who you invite around them are molding who they are,” said Badu. “I am very touched for this new beginning.”
Her heartfelt words reminded attendees that St. Philip’s continues to be a foundation for artistic and spiritual growth. “Erykah Badu is a product of St. Philip’s,” said Iv Amenti, Fine Arts Director. “She embodies what happens when young people interested in the arts are given the resources, facilities, and mentors to cultivate their gifts. The Moody Performing and Fine Arts Center is our investment in creating more artists who, like Erykah, believe in community, storytelling, and the power of faith. We are doing the work to make it a flagship because entertainment and the arts in Dallas is really about joy.”
The new facility, made possible through the generosity St. Philip’s dedicated supporters, houses innovative spaces for music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. Students and community members will now have access to professional-quality studios designed to set the stage for their creativity and confidence.
Headmaster, Dr. Terry J. Flowers, added, “This is an indoor playground for our community, a gift to South Dallas. The Center allows us to reimagine arts education. Our students and community members will now have a space worthy of their talent, a place to practice, perform, and find their voices. This is something that South Dallas, Fair Park deserves.” He went on to thank the audience for their time, talent, treasure, trust and tireless prayer for what God is doing in this ministry.
The celebration also highlighted new partnerships designed to expand opportunities for students through the arts. Tracy “The D.O.C.” Curry, founder of DOC Cares, shared his excitement to bring the Dreams Experience Academy to St. Philip’s, an innovative program that introduces youth to the worlds of media, entertainment, and technology. “I
was at St. Philip’s often. Now, it means a lot to be able to pour into young people in the same place that once poured into my own children.” he said.
“St. Philip’s has long been more than a school. Is the standard, a living example of what happens when faith, education and community move together with purpose.” said Chris Gannett, also of DOC Cares.
In addition, Dallas Black Dance Theatre announced an ongoing partnership with St. Philip’s that will provide weekly instruction, performance opportunities, and mentorship from professional dancers. Together, these collaborations will open doors for students to explore their gifts, build self-confidence, and form lasting relationships with some of the most respected figures in the arts community.
Installations by Ebony Lewis, Malcom Herrod, Juan Hernandez and Johnice Parker brought the space to life with inspiring photographs, sculptures, murals and paintings. Arthur Porter of Dallas Designing Dreams, shared about their collaboration with St. Philip’s to provide programming for seniors, students and local entrepreneurs.
As the evening closed with performances from St. Philip’s alumni and Carmen Rodgers, the message was clear: the arts are not a luxury, they are essential to our community’s growth. The Moody Performing and Fine Arts Center stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity, inspiring generations to come.
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