BY MAE HAZELTON, GUEST WRITER TO THE TIMES
LEESBURG – All About the Ballots joined over 80 partners coast-to-coast in a collaboration with the National organization “Win With Black Women” to buy-out theaters to host special premiers of “The Color Purple. The “by invitation only”, free event offered a unique opportunity to experience the bold new take on the beloved classic of the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond. All About the Ballots partnered with the Central Florida National Council of Negro Women, the Epsilon Nu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc, the Legacy African American Culture Club and Peachy Enterprises on Saturday, December 16th to bring this very special event to the AMC Theater in Leesburg, Florida.
Though it was storming outside, as the lights dimmed in the theater, over 100 attendees, most wearing purple, settled into their seats, eager to witness the unfolding of a story based on the novel by Alice Walker that has resonated for decades. The film, navigating the complexities of race, gender and self-discovery, resonated emotionally and underscored a sense of empowerment.
As the lights came back on, the audience still awash in emotions ranging from tears to laughter, erupted into applause, acknowledging the compelling narrative, outstanding performances, riveting storytelling, authenticity and the extraordinary visual scenes of the Southern landscape of period.
The audience, buzzing with praise, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to take part in the pre-screening of such a profound story, stating they felt privileged to have been invited to the special event.
With a continued focus on community civic engagement, All About the Ballots distributed specially prepared bags containing critical voting information and educational material to each guest as they left the theater.
“The Color Purple” stars Taraji P. Henson (“What Men Want,” “Hidden Figures”), Danielle Brooks (“Peacemaker,” “Orange Is the New Black”), Colman Domingo (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Fear the Walking Dead”), Corey Hawkins (“In the Heights,” “BlacKkKlansman”), H.E.R. (“Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration”), Halle Bailey (“The Little Mermaid,” “Grown-ish”), Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard,” “If Beale Street Could Talk”), and Fantasia Barrino (in her major motion picture debut).
“The Color Purple” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures and is set to open in theaters in North America on December 25, 2023 and internationally beginning January 18, 2024.
