Submitted by Emilee Taylor
The Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter hosted a dynamic Arts & Letters Red Carpet Event on, Nov. 17, 2022, for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” They celebrated the memory of Chadwick Boseman as we experienced our SOLD-OUT private screening of the movie which took place in two auditoriums, with over 200-chapter members, family and friends of all ages in attendance. They were adorned in African attire in honor of their ancestors and heritage.
Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter emphasizes the best practice of collaboration, a suggested method from the National Program Planning and Development Committee and the National Arts & Letters Commission. Collaboration provides the opportunity for the chapter to expand servicing the community at large.
A special “Wakanda Themed” gift basket was raffled by the Ways and Means Committee during the screening by providing a QR Code method to purchase tickets. As the attendees exited the auditoriums at the conclusion of the movie, they were met with committee members holding the name of the winner and winning ticket number. The winner received everything Wakanda from a Wakanda Forever T-Shirt, Wakanda Monopoly Game and poster, Wakanda facial tissues and assorted movie snacks! The lucky winner was elated!
The Arts & Letters Committee also collaborated with the Membership Services Committee, who held a collection drive at the movie theater during the screening, as part of their Reclamation Service Project. Attendees donated to the “Socks & Soap” Drive on behalf of the People’s Emergency Center, a program that provides support for families, children and youth experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. The drive has proven to be a successful effort for Membership Services to support those who are less fortunate. More than 700 items were collected during the Wakanda Red Carpet event providing support for over 200 young adults and families. This was the first opportunity to support this worthy Social Service Agency and Homeless Shelter.
At the conclusion of the evening, the attendees marveled about the movie and were grateful to witness the excellence of the “Wakanda Forever” production. They expressed looking forward to future Red-Carpet Events along with chapter committee and community collaborations to benefit the Philadelphia Community at large.