The Cast of “A Different World” Reunites for a Historic Tour of HBCUs
After an impressive 35-year run, the iconic cast of “A Different World” has come together once again to embark on a tour of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The purpose of this tour is to promote enrollment, foster community connections, and raise funds for current and prospective students.
“A Different World” – A Legacy of Educational Excellence
Originally a spin-off of “The Cosby Show,” “A Different World” followed Denise Huxtable, played by Lisa Bonet, as she attended Hillman College, a fictional HBCU in Virginia. The “A Different World HBCU College Tour 2024” commenced on Thursday at the Atlanta University Center, where the cast visited Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University, and Morehouse College.
Joining Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Dawnn Lewis, Glynn Turman, Cree Summer, Charnele Brown, and Darryl Bell on this journey is none other than Bell himself. Having played the beloved character Ron Johnson, he took on the role of tour organizer. In an interview with CNN, Bell shared his motivation behind the tour:
“Introducing a New Generation to HBCUs”
“A Different World” has left an indelible mark on generations of viewers, and Bell shared with CNN that the cast still encounters individuals who credit their decision to attend an HBCU to the show. Bell believes it’s essential for young Black students to consider these institutions due to both the exceptional education they offer and the strong sense of community:
“HBCUs – A Place for Growth and Belonging
“Historically Black colleges and universities have given rise to some of our greatest leaders, thinkers, and minds,” Bell said. He emphasized that attending an HBCU allows for a more personal investment in students’ academic and personal growth:
Continuing the Legacy of “A Different World”
The tour’s itinerary includes visits to Howard University, Alabama State University, and Tuskegee University in April. Students will have the opportunity to participate in seminars on financial literacy, career coaching, networking, and voter registration drives to encourage civic participation ahead of the 2024 election.
Bell shared with CNN his belief that civic engagement is crucial for Black, Brown, and low-income communities: “The need for these groups to be registered to vote and have their voices heard is essential.”
A Legacy of Educational Impact
Data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that HBCU enrollment increased by 26% between 1976 and 1994. Notably, this growth occurred primarily during the late 1980s and early 1990s – a period that coincides with “A Different World”‘s airing from 1987 to 1993.
The tour has already raised $50,000 in scholarship funding and aims to reach a goal of raising $1 million by its conclusion. Beyond financial support, the cast hopes to inspire future generations to continue the legacy of HBCUs – even those, like Hillman College from “A Different World,” that only exist within the realm of fiction.
As Bell put it, “It’s about having an opportunity, about having a pathway to a career.”
