Magical Experience Under the Sea – A GDN Exclusive

by Contributing Writer, Tracey Morrison 06/23/2023

Tracey Morrison, contributing writer

According to Box Office Mojo, almost a month after its release, The Little Mermaid grossed more than $414 million at the box office worldwide. The modern version of the 1989 movie adaption, featuring a Black Mermaid, was a much-watched movie for black girls. Many groups and organizations hosted creative and extravagant movie premieres starring Halle Bailey in style. Joe McGee, Marketing Director of Vocal4Local.com, did just that – executing a fun-like lavish movie premiere, “Just Like Me” Red Carpet Affair and Private Screening, in style inspired by the Black Panther movie. “I was in awe after seeing black people dress in costume to see the movie.” He executed the vision after his nine-year-old daughter, Khendal, got excited about his idea of doing a private movie screening of The Little Mermaid.

The “Just Like Me” Little Mermaid event is the first of the Safe Summer 2023 campaign. Safe Summer 2023 is a community initiative to promote a safe summer. “We are committed to safety in health and wellness, communities, travel, events, and programs,” explained McGee.

The Donum African Store staff, located on Gillespie Street, arrived in a limousine provided by Venus Vogue

Close to 400 ticket buyers lined up for the June 3rd premiere. Young girls dressed in princess costumes lined up to take pictures, captured by Kapture Thiz Photobooth Bar, with Miss Dogwood Janiya Pipkin dressed as the Little Mermaid. Mayor Kia Anthony, and Councilwoman Courtney Banks-McLaughlin, to name a few, were some of the guests in attendance. McGee shared the concept behind the idea of wanting young girls to walk into a real-lived fantasy realm of business professionals, local organizations, and public figures of the community in uniforms. The Donum African Store staff, located on Gillespie Street, arrived in a limousine provided by Venus Vogue at the Red-Carpet affair in style, dressed in authentic Ibgo Nigerian attire. Marcus Doss served as the make-up stylist.

The movie remake rekindled a nostalgic Disney magic moment for the columnist, dating to childhood from watching the original Little Mermaid; seeing the joy on young black girls’ faces of what I (the columnist) once experienced at their age warmed my heart. “I think in the movie, Ariel is going to have a happy ending. I’m super excited, like a thousand percent”, stated Jameerah Ackles (8), accompanied by her grandmother, Janene Dublin. Lauren McLaughlin (6), who came with her mother, Councilwoman Banks-McLaughlin, says the movie was the talk of her classroom, and she’s eager to share her experience with some of her classmates.

Miss Dogwood Janiya Pipkin

This private affair and screening created a joyous moment for the community. Much credit to Vocal4Local for sprinkling Disney’s magic upon young black girls, making the experience memorable for them to reflect on.

Vocal4Local is gearing up with Hardy Group Insurance and The Dream Lives for its next sponsored event through the Safe Summer 2023 Campaign on June 24th, The Survivors Brunch with ATA Coaching, supporting Domestic Violence Awareness.

For more information on ticket sales and future Safe Summer 2023 Campaign events, visit www.vocal4local.com