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By: Kayla Edelin, Staff Writer 

The AUC student body gathered at Morehouse College’s Kings Chapel Thursday for the concluding panel associated with the first stop on the “A Different World Tour”. The cast of the 1980s hit sitcom is on a nation-wide  tour to give back to the HBCU community and the generation that has revitalized the importance of “A Different World”.

For 35 years, this all Black cast has been one of the pinnacles of television. Even after the series has finished, it continues to resonate with and inspire Black children worldwide. Many Atlanta University Center students can attest to this, as the show encouraged them to attend an HBCU. 

Gkhryi Patterson, Morehouse junior, Education Studies major from Louisiana spoke on the influence the show had on him. 

“They were the only representation that we saw growing up of black students in an HBCU. I wanted to go to an HBCU, I wanted to be around people who look like me, that wanted to be some of the greatest people in the world, hold the greatest positions, as well as fight for the community as a whole,” he said.

As the cast reminisced about their time while filming the show, they were asked what was their favorite episodes to film or had the most impact on them. Many of the cast members had similar favorite episodes due to the impact the episodes had. These episodes were centered around AIDs, homelessness, the wedding, and racism. 

“We told stories that are so relevant right now. You can replay them, presidential campaigns, as relevant as it was then, as it is now,” producer Debbie Allen said. 

This show not only touches the hearts of many HBCU students, It also discusses concerns that are still prevalent today, motivating viewers to stand out for their personal beliefs. This show’s long-lasting influence continues to inspire young black students to attend HBCUs and pursue careers in industries where there is a small percentage of people of color.

By starting the tour in the AUC it created a unique sense of excitement for students due to the heavy connections the show has to the community. The cast has made it their mission to share their experiences and encourage students while also raising awareness regarding HBCUs.

In the final portion of the panel where students are encouraged to ask questions, one student asked about advice for current HBCU students. 

“Know how worthy you are, know that your HBCU experience is no less valuable than any other Ivy league school or Trading school. You get an excellent curriculum, incredible professors, and you’re in an environment that wants to nurture you, that wants to encourage you to see yourself,” Dwann Lewis said.   

The next  “A Different World” HBCU tour stop is at Howard University in April 2024.

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