Categories: Hazel Rosetta Smith,
Those who follow baseball are hoping never to hear the umpire shout – three strikes, batter out. This is a sad moment as the disheartened batter heads to the dugout to sit in disappointment with fellow teammates.
Three strikes do not mean you are out of the game. Keep on working on it, without fear or doubt. Sometimes you make a change to include new participants who have the skill and talent to raise the roof. Renewing an initial dream can lead to greater heights and a new generation of followers when you dare to imagine.
This is what I expected when I put on a touch of purple as a guest of AARP, amongst a full house of enthusiast seniors for a premiere showing of “The Color Purple” on December 14th, at the Magic Johnson AMC Theatre in Harlem. The seniors rolled in literally with walkers and wheelchairs to glean another go-round of this amazing production that has more than three successful strikes and continues to be a story of significance.
From its 1982 first appearance as a book by Alice Walker to film (1985) and twice on Broadway stages (2005-2008) and (2015-2017), its time has come around again. “The Color Purple’ is making its official royal return in movie theatres on December 25, Christmas Day, 2023.
And there was Reggie! His invitation came through to Harlem seniors and AARP members. His reputation with seniors is engraved in stone because of his good work and consistent inclusive outreach. Reggie Nance works as the Associate State Director for Multicultural Engagement for AARP New York, overseeing outreach to African Americans, Blacks, and Caribbean Americans across the state of New York.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, social welfare organization. The mission is to disrupt preconceived notions about aging, turn goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthen communities, and fight for the issues that matter most to people 50-plus.
AARP partnered with a young woman with a happy spirit whom I immediately called Personality Plus. Simone Wellington, head of marketing with House of JOY, a Black and woman-owned firm dedicated to advancing authentic joy by empowering purpose-driven clients and people serving the Black community. Wellington and her team brought their joy to the reception with pleasantries and patience.
Chew time before the screening included mac and cheese, honey biscuit and chicken on a skewer, oval-shaped cornbread, beverages, and popcorn, the most popular treat for moviegoers. The servings were appropriate in portion size, not too much to eat before watching a movie. Touche to Reggie and Simone and all who volunteered for a job well done.
“The Color Purple” was more than I expected, again. A thrilling story with a dynamic cast under devoted direction, with the astute capability and support of producers Steven Spielberg and Oprah. Watch for cameo appearances by other stars who pop up.
[Hazel Rosetta Smith is a journalist, playwright, and artistic director for Help Somebody Theatrical Ministries. Contact: misshazel@twc.com and online www.hazelrosettasmith.com]
