Comcast NBCUniversal, Xfinity and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ^® hosted a special screening series of Universal Pictures’ new cinematic event, Wicked, exclusively for members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.^® (AKA) in key markets across the U.S., including Los Angeles, CA; Seattle, WA; the Bay Area, CA; Washington, D.C.; New York City, NY; Houston, TX; Chicago, IL; Atlanta, GA; Miami, FL; and Philadelphia, PA. Additionally, Xfinity gifted laptops to undergraduate AKA members in each market as part of Xfinity’s ongoing commitment to digital equity.

This special series, “Sisterhood, Service and the Power of Connection,” included an advance screening of Wicked and an exclusive filmed interview with Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, an Honorary AKA member, and Today show host Sheinelle Jones, a fourth-generation AKA member. The conversation between Jones and Erivo — an Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse and Academy Award^® nominee — is available for all to watch today, November 20, and focuses on defying gravity, owning your power, stepping into sisterhood and what it means to be a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.^® The conversation can be found at www.wickedmovie.com/AKA and on www.youtube.com/@xfinity.

“I feel very moved to have been asked to be an Honorary AKA and I am very proud of it,” said Wicked star Cynthia Erivo during the fireside chat. “I think that one thing I want people to take away from this is that sistership is important. Finding our friendship, love and community between us is a really important thing that helps us thrive. Sisterhood is vital—necessary and vital.”

“Xfinity was overjoyed to partner with Universal Pictures to create an inspiring campaign that celebrates AKA members across the country for the upcoming release of the highly anticipated film, Wicked,” said Marge Jackson, SVP, Sales for Comcast.

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, is based on the generation-defining stage musical and arrives in theaters nationwide November 22, 2024. The film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her green skin who has yet to discover her true power, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman gilded by privilege who has yet to discover her true heart. As they forge an unlikely friendship, their extraordinary adventures will see them fulfill their destinies as “Glinda the Good” and the “Wicked Witch of the West.”

“Wicked is a cinematic event unlike any other, and we were thrilled to bring it to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. through this special screening program,” said Fabian Castro, EVP, Multicultural Marketing for Universal Pictures. “The sorority’s iconic pink and green colors beautifully reflect the vibrant world of the film, but more importantly, Wicked embodies the same values that AKA has championed throughout its extraordinary legacy—sisterhood, friendship and the journey of embracing your unique power. Together, we hope to inspire audiences everywhere.”

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.^® is the oldest Black sorority in the nation. An international service organization founded at Howard University in 1908, the sorority’s official colors are pink and green, the signature colors of Wicked’s two lead female characters.

“It’s been such a thrill to participate in screenings of Wicked—a film of cinematic beauty and affirming life lessons. Its message of inclusion, acceptance, and standing in one’s power is one that members of Alpha Kappa Alpha espouse and promote, particularly in women and girls who might not represent what’s considered as ‘mainstream.’ And, of course, the tagline that ‘pink goes good with green’ is one that resonates with us!” said Danette Anthony Reed, International President & CEO, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated^®.