Pepsi Stronger Together co-hosted a special screening of the film, “A Most Beautiful Thing” for 3000 Chicago Youth earlier in the month. Pepsi Stronger Together is a series of grassroots initiatives bringing tailored programming to communities across the country. The virtual screening and rally were held in partnership with The Obama Foundation and C.H.A.M.P.S. Mentoring.
Pepsi Stronger Together sponsored lunch for the teens in attendance through a partnership with Door Dash. During the screening and virtual rally, the youth enjoyed entertainment from DJ Hot Rod and DJ Ace. The rally also included performances by the Southshore Drill Team, Lil Bit Saucy and Promise Singleton.
The virtual rally also featured a youth panel with call-ins from NBA legends, Dwayne Wade, Grant Hill, and Horace Grant. Additional participants included C.H.A.M.P.S Mentoring Founder Vondale Singleton, Rep. Danny Davis, Common Ground President Dr. Mahalia Hines, and Obama Foundation CEO Mike Strautmanis. The cast of the film, “A Most Beautiful Thing” was also included.
Launched in May 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pepsi Stronger Together expanded in October 2020. They partnered with NBA teams and charitable organizations to foster community and police relations.
“The idea behind this partnership was to help bring some joy into the homes of youth across Chicago, particularly during a year of extraordinary hardship, and convey the film’s powerful message of teamwork and the way we can overcome challenges when we all realize we’re rowing in the same boat,” said Kenny Thompson, Head of External Affairs for PepsiCo North America.
PepsiCo works closely with community leaders to ensure that the company is adding value to the communities they live and work in.
“Our initiative is focused on how we engaged with communities. We aren’t coming into communities saying “this is what we are going to do. We ask, “What do you need’? We do this by making sure we stay connected and engaged with community leaders on the ground.” -Kenny Thompson
The film, “A Most Beautiful Thing” tells the story of the first all-black high school boys rowing team based in Chicago. For more information on the PepsiCo Stronger Together Initiative, visit https://www.pepsistrongertogether.com/.
Danielle Sanders is a journalist and writer living in Chicago. Find her on social media @DanieSandersOfficial.
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