November 24th, 2024

Gravitas Ventures Acquires Documentary, “Twenty Pearls: The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.”

By:NNPA

Gravitas Ventures has acquired the U.S. and Canadian distribution rights for “Twenty Pearls: The Story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.,” an intimate documentary film introducing the storied history of Alpha Kappa Alpha, America’s first sorority for Black college women. Narrated by Phylicia Rashad and written and directed by Deborah Riley Draper, Twenty Pearls tells the story of a powerful sisterhood created in 1908 that has influenced significant watershed moments in history, including World War II, NASA, Civil Rights, Voting Rights, Women’s Rights, HBCUs, and Public Health.

With a multi-platform launch date of February 22, 2022, Twenty Pearls will be available on Prime Video, iTunes, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu, to name a few.  Retailers like Amazon will carry DVDs for sale and the film will be available in libraries as far as Canada. Initially released on Comcast’s Black Experience channel in March 2021, the acquisition by Gravitas and launch during Black History Month is timely in presenting this documentary to broader North American and worldwide audiences.

“The story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is not a Black story; it is an American story.  Through our partnership with Gravitas, our goal is to ensure that our story is broadly told by making it more accessible to diverse audiences,” explained Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, International President and CEO of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® and President of Tennessee State University.

Director Deborah Riley Draper, a 2022 NAACP Image Awards nominee for the OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network docuseries “The Legacy of Black Wall Street” for Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television), is well known for her previous documentaries “Olympic Pride, American Prejudice” and “Versailles ‘73: American Runway Revolution.” Draper said having the luxury and privilege of interviewing Alpha Kappa Alpha member and Vice President Kamala Harris for Twenty Pearls was an extraordinary moment for her as a filmmaker. “Vice President Harris spoke to the power of Black women when we come together and organize, what that looks like, and how that force can change the world.”

The film also features interviews with International President and CEO of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®️ Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, Miss Universe Ireland Fionnghuala O’Reilly, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch, Anna Eleanor Roosevelt Fierst, and many more. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®️ herself, Draper said, “Being able to tell our own stories is our cultural inheritance. If we don’t tell our stories, who is going to tell our stories the way they should be told?”

Twenty Pearls is produced by Coffee Bluff Pictures (Deborah Riley Draper and Lacy Barnes, Producers) and executive produced by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® International President and CEO Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, The Honorable Kimberly M. Esmond Adams, Cynthia D. Howell, Martha Perine Beard, and Cheryl Polote Williamson.

To pre-order Twenty Pearls on iTunes, visit https://apple.co/3szzYqH

VOD distribution by Gravitas Ventures

About Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® 

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) is an international service organization that was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American, college-educated women. Alpha Kappa Alpha is comprised of over 300,000 members in more than 1,000 graduate and undergraduate chapters in the United States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Liberia, Bahamas, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Canada, Japan, Germany, South Korea, South Africa, and in the Middle East. Led by International President and Chief Executive Officer, Glenda Glover Ph.D., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® is often hailed as “America’s premier Greek-letter organization for African-American women.” Visit www.aka1908.com for more information.

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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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