The cast of A Different World is extending their HBCU college tour after receiving overwhelming support from students across the country. Originally planned as a 10-city tour, the event has been extended due to sold-out crowds and continued demand. The tour, featuring stars like Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Darryl M. Bell, and Cree Summer, has already visited prominent historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) such as Spelman College and Howard University.
The Impact of A Different World
The cast members have expressed their delight with the reception they’ve received on tour. Darryl M. Bell, who portrayed Ron Johnson on the hit show, commented, “There are all these students today who are super fans of the show, and none of them were even alive when the show first aired.”
Bell attributed the show’s continued relevance to its depiction of issues that resonate with students today. “Whether it’s the stress of classes, how to pay for school, or student protests, these are all issues that still matter,” Bell added.
The tour’s initial success has sparked excitement for the next leg, which kicks off at Bowie State University on October 17. With additional stops planned throughout 2025, the tour is set to visit more HBCUs across the nation. Sponsored by Wells Fargo and Cisco, the event also aims to raise scholarship funds for students.
The cultural significance of A Different World has grown over the years, especially among Black college students. The show, which ran from 1987 to 1993, followed the lives of students at the fictional Hillman College, an HBCU. Many credit the show for inspiring them to attend real-life HBCUs. Bell noted, “Our show depicted the African American community in a way that people could say, ‘That’s me.’”
As the tour extends, cast members are excited to continue celebrating the legacy of A Different World and its impact on both past and present generations. “It’s really about the passion of what the show has meant to our fans,” Bell concluded.