Interest in historically Black colleges and universities is on the rise, with Howard University, one of the nation’s top HBCUs, receiving a record 37,000 applications for its upcoming freshman class. This surge in interest is not new, as HBCU enrollment saw a significant increase between 1976 and 1994.
One major factor that contributed to the spike in admissions to HBCUs was the popular college-set sitcom “A Different World,” which premiered on NBC in 1987. The show, a spinoff of the “Cosby Show,” was set on the fictional Hillman College campus and ran for six seasons. Its majority-Black cast provided a fresh cultural perspective and countered many stereotypes of young African Americans in the 1980s and ’90s.
Now, 35 years after its premiere, the cast of “A Different World” is reuniting for a tour of HBCUs across the country to celebrate the show’s lasting legacy. The cast tackled pressing social and political issues of the day, from apartheid in South Africa to police brutality, and their impact is still felt today.
President Joe Biden recently praised historically Black colleges and universities during a commencement address at Morehouse College, announcing $16 billion in new investments for these institutions. However, some students at the ceremony protested the U.S. government’s support of Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip, highlighting ongoing social and political issues.
The cast of “A Different World” hopes to raise awareness about HBCUs, establish a scholarship fund, and connect with a new generation of students. They emphasize the importance of empowering young Black Americans to have conversations about history, voting, and the future in the face of challenges like book bans and racism.