Kean University welcomed cast members of the iconic TV show A Different World to a President’s Distinguished Lecture Series event on Thursday for a discussion of how college life and culture have changed since the sitcom began 35 years ago.
In an auditorium packed with Kean students, alumni, and others, cast members Darryl M. Bell, Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, and Cree Summer offered insight and shared memories from the show set in the fictitious Hillman College.
“Look at the past to inform our future – that is the premise,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., who introduced the actors to the enthusiastic crowd. “We have similar issues on campus. We have protested. We have Black lives that matter. Is it a different world 35 years later?”
A Different World ran from 1987 to 1993, depicting students at a fictitious historically Black college and taking on issues such as racism, AIDS, apartheid and date rape. It inspired many fans to go to college.
“Not a day goes by that someone doesn’t come up to us and say, ‘I went to college because I watched A Different World,’” said Bell, who played character Ron Johnson.
The stage for the event was set like a giant living room – with comfy chairs for the speakers, and framed photos from the show displayed on tables. Moderator Chantonette Lyles, acting director of the Office of Accessibility Services at Kean, and David Jefferson Jr., Ed.D., coordinator of clergy communications and faith-based initiatives, Office of Government Affairs and Community Partnerships, led the discussion.
The focus was the relevance of the show then and now.
“I feel a lot has changed, but we’re still fighting apartheid. Women are still fighting for the right to our own bodies. There’s more representation needed in film and TV,” said Summer, who played Winifred “Freddie” Brooks. “We are facing the same problems they were facing.”
Guy, who portrayed lead character Whitley Gilbert, and other cast members noted there have been societal changes since the show aired.
“I see more Black representation and gay people on TV than I ever thought I’d see,” Guy said.
“We can’t say, since we’ve seen a Black president, that things haven’t changed,” added Bell. “But there’s still work to be done.”
The Distinguished Lecture also offered fun and nostalgia, as cast members reminisced – including about who was dating who in real life – and the crowd enjoyed watching both the original opening credits, and a Kean-produced version featuring Kean students.
‘A Different World’ Cast Talks About A World Of Difference 35 Years Later At Kean University
NOVEMBER 17, 2023
Kean University welcomed cast members of the iconic TV show A Different World to a President’s Distinguished Lecture Series event on Thursday for a discussion of how college life and culture have changed since the sitcom began 35 years ago.
In an auditorium packed with Kean students, alumni, and others, cast members Darryl M. Bell, Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, and Cree Summer offered insight and shared memories from the show set in the fictitious Hillman College.
“Look at the past to inform our future – that is the premise,” said Kean President Lamont O. Repollet, Ed.D., who introduced the actors to the enthusiastic crowd. “We have similar issues on campus. We have protested. We have Black lives that matter. Is it a different world 35 years later?”
A Different World ran from 1987 to 1993, depicting students at a fictitious historically Black college and taking on issues such as racism, AIDS, apartheid and date rape. It inspired many fans to go to college.
“Not a day goes by that someone doesn’t come up to us and say, ‘I went to college because I watched A Different World,’” said Bell, who played character Ron Johnson.
The stage for the event was set like a giant living room – with comfy chairs for the speakers, and framed photos from the show displayed on tables. Moderator Chantonette Lyles, acting director of the Office of Accessibility Services at Kean, and David Jefferson Jr., Ed.D., coordinator of clergy communications and faith-based initiatives, Office of Government Affairs and Community Partnerships, led the discussion.
The focus was the relevance of the show then and now.
“I feel a lot has changed, but we’re still fighting apartheid. Women are still fighting for the right to our own bodies. There’s more representation needed in film and TV,” said Summer, who played Winifred “Freddie” Brooks. “We are facing the same problems they were facing.”
Guy, who portrayed lead character Whitley Gilbert, and other cast members noted there have been societal changes since the show aired.
“I see more Black representation and gay people on TV than I ever thought I’d see,” Guy said.
“We can’t say, since we’ve seen a Black president, that things haven’t changed,” added Bell. “But there’s still work to be done.”
