Chicago's South Side Rallies to Support '42"

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Child actor Dusan Brown (above) poses with a jumbo poster of the Jackie Robinson movie, “42” during the ribbon cutting ceremony at Chatham 14 Theaters. Brown plays Edwin Charles, an African-American major league baseball player who played for the Kansas City Athletics and New York Mets in the 60’s. Photo: Lee Edwards
Child actor Dusan Brown (above) poses with a jumbo poster of the Jackie Robinson movie, “42” during the ribbon cutting ceremony at Chatham 14 Theaters. Brown plays Edwin Charles, an African-American major league baseball player who played for the Kansas City Athletics and New York Mets in the 60’s. Photo: Lee Edwards

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Members of Chicago’s South Side-based baseball teams, The Patriots and The Yankees, joined Ald. Howard Brookins (21) during a ribbon cutting ceremony at Chatham 14 Theaters, celebrating the theater’s recent upgrades and also the new Jackie Robinson movie,” 42.” Photo: Lee Edwards

Several local dignitaries and organizations gathered on Chicago's South Side for a free screening of the movie premiere of "42," the biopic which tells the tale of legendary African American major league baseball player, Jackie Robinson. More than 20 members of Chicago's South Side-based baseball teams The Patriots and The Yankees were also in attendance.

The event was held last Friday, at the Chatham 14 Theater. The newly renovated theater took the opportunity to also unveil their new 4K RealD 3D projectors which were used during the free screening.

Elected officials and community leaders were on hand including, Ill. State Sen. Jacqueline Collins (6th Dist.); Ald. JoAnn Thompson (16th Ward); Ill. State Sen. Kwame Raoul (13th Dist.), Ald. Howard Brookins (21st Ward); Melinda Kelly, Executive Director, Chatham Business Association; and John Scaletta, Vice President, F&F Management, the company that manages the Chatham 14 Theaters.

"The movie "42" is a historic film that brings so much positive light to the advancements in our culture. "42" means so much to the Chatham community because they want to see those movies that are uplifting and positive based similar to when 'Red Tails' came out and when 'Princess and the Frog' came out, those are the type of films that families can get together and celebrate, " Scaletta told the Chicago Citizen.

The Chatham 14 Theater also hosted a screening of "42" over the weekend for Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Chapter President JoAnn Thomas Woods stated, "Delta Sigma Theta and "42" is a natural fit because it highlights the history of Blacks in America which is our primary focus in the community and this gives us a great opportunity to share these experiences with our young people so that they can see the things one person can do to change a whole community."

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporate has officially partnered with Liquid Soul Media, Wal-Mart and Warner Bros. to screen "42" throughout the nation. After the screening movie-goers got a treat in getting an opportunity to meet as well take pictures with "42" stars Andre Holland and Dusan Brown who played Wendell Smith and Ed Charles respectively.

Liquid Soul Media Vice President Tracey Jennings stated, "We have done screenings all across the country with partners such as Delta Sigma Theta [Sorority Incorporated]; we did one with Hank Aaron in Atlanta [with] the Atlanta Braves; so we've been reaching out to different influencers throughout the country to get the word out."

Liquid Soul Media is a lifestyle marketing agency that has partnered with Wal-Mart, Warner Bros., Scotts Turf and Ball Park for the release of "42".

By Lee Edwards

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