I’m currently watching A Different World on Netflix. Previously, I had only seen short clips on YouTube, particularly those featuring some of my favourite characters, ‘Dwayne’ and ‘Whitley.’ The show, set at a fictional historically Black college or university (HBCU), explores critical social issues such as domestic violence, racism, AIDS, discrimination, and war.
Four seasons in, I also appreciate its acknowledgment of South Africa’s struggle against apartheid. In Season 1, Episode 4, I was intrigued by the hook of “Nelson Mandela” by The Specials and the introduction of a South African character, ‘Mpepo’, who is described as “having fled Johannesburg after publishing incendiary material.” As the show progresses, a character named ‘Rick’ can be spotted wearing a black activist T-shirt, with the words End (in red) Apartheid, red collar popped and sleeves rolled up above the elbow. Most notably, A Different World includes two South African student characters, ‘Kobie’ and ‘Mbubunni’, who bring firsthand perspectives to the show’s storytelling.
Equally fascinating is revelation by Darryl M. Bell, who played ‘Ron’, on his website that during the show’s initial run, enrolment in HBCUs tripled, with hundreds of young people crediting A Different World for inspiring them to pursue higher education.
Much of what I’ve come to appreciate about those who have set precedents, I too have learnt through edutainment.
The same applies to my understanding of Black History Month, a time dedicated to honouring the contributions, resilience, and legacy of Black individuals throughout America’s history. As February (designated to observe Black History in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Germany) comes to a close, here are some incredible stories worth watching:
1. The Six Triple Eight (2024)
This American war drama film tells the story of the U.S. Army’s 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the largest group of Black servicewomen to serve overseas during World War II. These remarkable women shattered barriers and played a crucial role in ensuring that mail reached American troops.
2. Hidden Figures (2016)
Based on Margot Lee Shetterly’s book, this inspiring true story follows three African American women (Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson) whose mathematical brilliance was instrumental in launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
3. The Birth of a Nation (2016)
This historical drama recounts the story of Nat Turner, an enslaved man who led a rebellion in Southampton County, Virginia, in 1831.
4. Harriet (2019)
A gripping biographical film about Harriet Tubman, the fearless abolitionist who risked her life to lead others to freedom via the Underground Railroad.
5. Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker (2020)
This miniseries tells the story of Sarah Breedlove, better known as Madam C.J. Walker, a washerwoman who rose from poverty to build a haircare empire. Despite being born to enslaved parents, she became America’s first female self-made millionaire.
