Erykah Badu Joins South Dallas’ Arts Center Launch

South Dallas celebrated a new era of creative excellence this weekend as St. Philip’s School and Community Center officially opened the Moody Performing and Fine Arts Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to nurture the next generation of artists, innovators, and community leaders.

The celebration on October 18 drew alumni, families, and cultural leaders — including Dallas native and global icon Erykah Badu — back to the campus that has long been a foundation for faith, education, and service.

Dallas Weekly was on the scene to capture the evening’s powerful reflections, performances, and the shared joy of a community investing in its artistic future.

A Legacy Reimagined

“Education means so very much to me and the way that children are taught,” said Erykah Badu, who attended St. Philip’s as a child. “They are like little lumps of clay. You are molding who they are and who you invite around them are molding who they are. I am very touched for this new beginning.”

Her words captured the spirit of the night — one rooted in faith, creativity, and community.

“This is an indoor playground for our community, a gift to South Dallas,” said Dr. Terry J. Flowers, Headmaster and Pastor of St. Philip’s. “Our students and community members now have a space worthy of their talent, a place to practice, perform, and find their voices.”

Endless Possibilities for the Next Generation

For alumni, the new center represents far more than a building — it’s the continuation of a legacy that molded their confidence and purpose.

“The possibilities that I see for the students here at St. Philip’s are endless,” said Zuri Williams (Class of 2014). “With new facilities like the recording studio and art spaces, they’ll gain skills that will shape their lives.”

Taryn Love, daughter of Dr. Flowers and a proud alumna, echoed that sentiment:

“St. Philip’s started the foundation of who I am today — building my identity, my confidence, and my faith. With the Moody Center, my children and their classmates will have even more opportunities to dance, design, and dream.”

Other graduates reflected on the community values instilled in them.

“When it comes to making sure that the people who look like you are taken care of, St. Philip’s built that sense of community within me,” said Malcolm Harrod (Class of 2014), now a commercial photographer. “It taught me that it takes a village to raise a child — and this new center is part of that village.”

Building Pathways Through Art

The new facility — made possible by the generosity of St. Philip’s donors and community partners — features spaces for music, theatre, dance, and visual arts, all designed to provide access to professional-level tools and mentorship.

Partnerships announced during the event include collaborations with Dallas Black Dance Theatre and DOC Cares, led by Tracy “The D.O.C.” Curry, whose Dreams Experience Academy will introduce students to careers in media, entertainment, and technology.

“We’re pouring into young people in the same place that once poured into my own children,” said Curry.

The celebration also showcased installations by local artists Ebony Lewis, Malcolm Harrod, Juan Hernandez, and Johnice Parker, emphasizing the center’s role as both a creative hub and a cultural bridge.

Faith, Art, and the Future

As performances by alumni and Carmen Rodgers brought the evening to a close, the message was clear: the Moody Performing and Fine Arts Center is more than a facility — it’s a testament to faith, perseverance, and imagination.

“The future is bright,” said Harrod. “There’s a continuous pouring into these students — intellectually and culturally — and St. Philip’s has proven that the sky is the limit.”

Watch Dallas Weekly’s full video recap of this historic evening here.

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