The Power of the Pivot: Behind the Scenes of MsiCandi Movie Night
- Juli "Candi" Long
- Jun 23
- 6 min read
Putting together an event isn’t for the weak. And if you’re not willing—or able—to pivot, you’re going to drive yourself crazy. Things happen. Plans shift. Life life’s. But as an event host, you’ve got to move with it, not against it. No matter how detailed your vision is or how tight your checklist looks on paper, reality will throw you curveballs.
For this edition of MsiCandi Movie Night, I chose Coming to America—my all-time favorite film. Not just for the laughs or the nostalgia, but because it’s a Black classic that shaped how I saw love, identity, and Black excellence growing up. And this year, it also became part of how I celebrated Juneteenth.
While not everything went as planned, we still created a royal, joyful, unforgettable experience. And it all came down to one thing: the power of the pivot.
"If you don’t have the skill and power of pivot, you’re going to drive yourself crazy. Because you cannot control humans—you cannot control life."
— MsiCandi
The Vision (and Why Coming to America)
When I thought about which film to feature this time, Coming to America immediately came to mind. It’s not just a favorite—it’s foundational for me. The movie represents everything I love about Black storytelling: royalty, comedy, creativity, culture, romance, fashion, and legacy.
Growing up, I saw pieces of myself in that movie. It made me laugh, made me dream, and made me proud. So instead of just watching it again on my own, I decided to bring that world to life—for my friends, my community, and my Juneteenth celebration.
I didn’t want a passive viewing experience. I wanted people to feel like they had stepped into Zamunda. From rose petals at the door to gold crowns on every seat, this wasn’t just a movie night—it was an immersive event.
Pivot Points: What Shifted, What Shined, and What’s Staying
Let me be honest—there were some solid plans that just didn’t make it to showtime. Here’s where the pivot really kicked in.
What Didn't Go As Planned:
Popcorn machine issues: I wanted popcorn for the award scene and game moments—perfect for ambiance—but the machine didn’t cooperate.
Strawberry milkshakes: I bought the ingredients as a nod to Daryl’s favorite treat in the film, but ran out of time to prep them.
Tech trouble: Our projector sound didn’t connect right at first, forcing us to troubleshoot mid-event.
Starting too early: Daylight savings meant it was still light out at 8 PM, making the 7:30 start time feel a bit awkward. Guests had to wait longer to get into movie mode.
What Made It Work Anyway:
Rose petal entrance: I literally threw petals at my guests and shouted “Welcome to Zamunda!” and the smiles on their faces were priceless.
Royal Bucks: These play-money tokens were given out for participation and theme dressing, and kept the whole room energized and playful.
Crowns for everyone: Gold crowns on every seat made each guest feel honored and royal from the moment they sat down.
Interactive trivia: My Aunt Michelle and I teamed up to come up with questions. We watched the movie, brainstormed fun ways to challenge guests, and the trivia ended up being one of the biggest hits of the night.
Quote-off challenge: Guests battled it out quoting iconic lines—fun, competitive, and nostalgic.
And we pulled this all off while working within tight budget constraints, using what we already had at home or sourcing smart. That’s the beauty of intentional planning—you make it feel full even when resources are light.
Food, Drinks, and Fun (Zamunda Style)
I always say the vibe starts with the food—and this night was no different.
Here’s what was on the royal menu:
McDowell Mini Sliders (aka Little Big Micks)
Cheeseball bites on pretzel sticks
Pineapple kielbasa skewers
Infused water and sweet tea
Raspberry champagne and sparkling cider in flutes
Jack & Coke “Soul Glo” signature cocktail
We went all out with presentation too. Champagne glasses were served on arrival (just like the McDowell party scene), and our infused waters helped keep guests cool on a hot summer night.
Decor-wise, we pulled from supplies we already owned—Amazon finds, old signage, props from previous events, and Dollar Tree staples. I also saved money by printing materials at the public library instead of using expensive ink at home or going to FedEx. All those little pivots helped make the event beautiful and budget-friendly.
Hosting with a Heart (and a Lighter Crew)
Usually, there are three of us co-hosting MsiCandi Movie Night, but one of my girls was out of town for a Juneteenth celebration. While we missed her, I didn’t let that stop the show.
As an only child, I learned early on how to move solo if I need to. I’m not going to cancel a whole event just because one person can’t make it. I know how to keep it moving and keep the energy going—especially when I know people are looking forward to the experience.
Still, not having the full team meant everyone had to do a little more. From cooking to setting up, from managing sound to taking pictures, we all wore multiple hats. And we made it work. That’s the power of pivot and community combined.
Community Means Showing Up—And Pitching In
One of the most meaningful takeaways from this night was a deeper realization: as we grow this event series, community involvement has to grow with it.
We’ve hosted several MsiCandi Movie Nights completely free—providing food, drinks, games, and vibes. But as things scale, it’s important to invite people to participate beyond attendance. That could look like:
Contributing $10–$20 donations
Bringing an item from a supply list
Helping with setup or cleanup
Sponsoring one part of the experience (i.e., drinks, dessert, trivia prizes)
This isn’t about making money—it’s about sustaining something special. And when people feel like they’re part of something, they’re more likely to pour into it with joy.
Celebrating Juneteenth With Intention
This wasn’t just another Friday night. This was how I celebrated Juneteenth this year.
Instead of doing something traditional, I wanted to lean into joy. Into creativity. Into gathering people around a piece of Black art that shaped me. Coming to America is a celebration of Black royalty, love, and comedy—and creating space to honor it felt like the perfect way to celebrate our culture and freedom.
So yes, we laughed. We toasted. We danced between scenes. And in that room, filled with rose petals and gold crowns, we honored Juneteenth our way.
Why I’ll Keep Pivoting (And Hosting)
If I’ve learned anything as a host, it’s this:
✨ Perfect isn’t the goal.
💡 Present is.
💖 People are.
I want guests to leave these events feeling connected—to each other, to the film, to the energy in the room. Whether they came solo or with a squad, I want them to feel like they belonged. Like they were part of a shared moment.
The pivot is what allows all of that to happen. When things go wrong (and they will), I don’t shut down—I shift. And because of that, I get to keep creating moments that matter.
What’s Next?
📽️ Next Movie: Love Jones
🗓️ Date: Sunday, July 11
That’s all I’m telling you… for now.
If you know, you know—and if you don’t, trust me… you want to be there. RSVP details and the exclusive invite will be shared soon. Just be ready to vibe.
Final Word
I’m proud of how it all came together. Was it perfect? No. But it was powerful, playful, and full of heart.
We honored a classic. We celebrated Juneteenth. We laughed through tech troubles. We created something memorable—with love, imagination, and intentionality.
That’s the MsiCandi way. That’s the power of the pivot.
See you at the next one.
— MsiCandi
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