Photo by Jazmine Brazier/The Atlanta Voice I attended the Wicked: For Good Screening with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, in collaboration with Xfinity Comcast. Crowds of young undergraduate members and a few graduate members swarmed the Atlantic Station theater in laughter, lively con versation, and excitement to see Wicked: For Good, with bright colors of pink and green paraphernalia. Being a member of the sorority for over 10 years, this experience not only brought the nostalgic feeling of spending time with my line sisters and other sorors but also truly intrigued me about the origin, purpose, and objectives of this unconventional partnership between AKA and Xfinity Comcast. In order to get these answers, I had the opportunity to talk with the International First Vice President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Charletta Wilson Jacks.  The partnership between Xfinity and Alpha Kappa Alpha started earlier this year, shaping a new opportunity for the sorority and young undergraduate sorority members to gain new exposure, experiences, and sisterhood. International First Vice President Jacks shares how she thought this movie, in particular, was an opportunity to have a conversation about relationships and sisterhood, therefore leading to this collaborative event. Photo by Jazmine Brazier/The Atlanta Voice Undergraduate sorority members from three regions were selected to be a part of this partnership: North Atlantic, South Atlantic, and South Central Regions. Hundreds of young women were able to have this exclusive experience with their sorority sister and friends to see the raved and anticipated movies of the year with exclusive swag gear, including clapper fans (essential for Boots on The Grounds dancing),  to elevate the moment.  She referenced the theme song in “Wicked for Good. “I also go back to the song…” Because I knew you, I’ve been changed for good.” These words embodied the life-changing relationship she was able to develop with her sisters, the atmosphere, and the lesson she wants undergraduate members to learn. She states, “I look at my line sisters…we have changed, we have made each other better in many ways which we would have never thought. …The foundation was laid in our teenage years, in our early twenties. In our undergraduate years, that was the environment in which we were founded.  Photo by Jazmine Brazier/The Atlanta Voice The Intentional Sisterhood Vice President Charlotta Jacks explains that The Wicked movie was an example of understanding the complexities of relationships that coincided with the sorority’s values of sisterhood.  “One of the core values of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the sisterhood,” Vice President Jacks stated. She shared how the issues that both the undergraduate and graduate members face are most often led by personal conflict, conflict of values, and management of relationships. “This was an opportunity to bring in an audience of our members, primarily focused on our undergraduate members, our collegiate members. These are the future leaders of the sorority”, stated VP Jacks.  Relationships are truly the essence of how we interact with ourselves and our community, and how we identify in the world. Focusing on these elements, especially with the undergraduate youth who are in a pivotal, impressionable time in their lives, truly makes sense.  “We have to be intentional about relationships, intentional about forming relationships and sustaining relationships.” This is a message that the International VP Jacks wanted to impress upon the undergraduate members. When asked about the future of the partnership with Xfinity  Comcast and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority Inc., Ms. VP Jacks stated, “The partnership was built upon what was built last year, and we are being intentional about this partnership…Xfinity partnership is more than the movies, it is closing the digital gap. As a people, we need to focus on closing the digital gap so our communities can really have access. “ At the beginning of the movie, we were able to hear a few words from Portia Akins, a sorority member and Comcast Public Relations Manager. She shared her experience working at Comcast, allowing the event to not only be about the value of sisterhood but also to provide an intimate networking opportunity for other undergraduate members to ask questions about her role and her field of work. These are the leaders of the society, VP stated. What a rare opportunity to be in a fun-filled, yet intimate space, as the international VP of Alpha Kappa Alpha. Ultimately, the International Vice President wants to continue to grow with a partnership with Comcast and foresee new opportunities on the horizon.  The post Colorful Palate: Alpha Kappa Alpha and Comcast host ‘Wicked For Good’ screening appeared first on The Atlanta Voice. ...read more read less