Princess Tiana makes her debut today as Walt Disney’s first African-American princess in the animated feature film “The Princess and the Frog,” and a Beckley sorority will host a special private showing Saturday in celebration of the historic event.
The film was directed by John Musker and Ron Clements and features songs and score composed by Randy Newman, and the voices of Oprah Winfrey, Terrance Howard and Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana.
The Beckley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is hosting a Delta Red Carpet affair and private showing Saturday at Marquee Cinemas in Beckley.
“We’re really excited about it,” Dr. Elizabeth Nelson, a sorority member, said.
“To be honest, I think children are not as aware of skin color as they are as adults. They internalize, and being able to see yourself on the big screen can do wonders for self-image. It’s important to see those images in film because self-esteem is established at a very young age.
“I believe this is an important step that Disney is making in diversifying on the big screen,” added Nelson, who is chairing the committee for the red carpet event. “The whole country is really trying to make a move toward diversity, and rather than talking, they’re actually doing something about it.
“This movie is a great metaphor for the diversity that this country is trying to embrace.”
Delta Sigma Theta is the single largest African-American women’s organization in the country.
Cynthia M.A. Butler-McIntyre, national president of the public service sorority, said they are encouraged by Disney’s decision to feature an African-American princess for the first time.
“As mothers, caregivers, mentors and educators, we are excited that ‘The Princess and the Frog’ will provide the children in our lives with an opportunity to laugh and learn with a new Disney classic,” Butler-McIntyre said.
“We applaud Disney for their efforts and are actively showing our support of this project by making it a Delta Red Carpet feature film.”
For Saturday’s event, Delta Sigma Theta is inviting everyone to “dress in their Sunday best and enjoy a royal time at the movies.”
“We will be crowning all princesses with a tiara and princes with a crown,” Nelson said.
Adriene DeLilly, 11, whose mother Lisa is a member of Delta Sigma Theta and co-chair of the event, will dress up as Tiana.
“This is the first time we’ve had a black princess in Disney,” said DeLilly, a sixth-grader at Park Middle School. “It’s a good thing and I’m going to support it.
“I think it’s a great start and maybe now there will be more movies with black princes or princesses.”
Alexis Anderson, 7, says she is excited to see “The Princess and the Frog.”
“I have seen a lot on the commercials and I really like it,” the second-grader at Beckley Elementary said. “The princess looks good in purple and my sister likes purple, too.”
Her sister, Makayla Anderson, who is in third grade at Beckley Elementary, said she thinks the movie is going to be funny, as well.
“It is cool that she is a brown princess,” the 9-year-old said. “And I think it is cool that we have the first president that is African-American.”
The red carpet will open at 11:45 a.m. and the movie will follow at 12:10 p.m. Admission is $5, or $7.75 with a junior popcorn and drink.
To reserve seats, contact Nelson at mdevt@yahoo.com, Kelli Anderson, president of the Beckley Alumnae Chapter, at kmanns77@yahoo.com or Lisa DeLilly at ldelilly@yahoo.com today.
— E-mail: cclark@register-herald.com
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Sorority celebrates Disney’s first African-American princess
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