For many Black families, Thursday night in the late 80’s and early 90’s meant gathering around the TV to watch A Different World. This iconic series, inspired by student life at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), was a cultural force that continues to influence Black audiences, in part because of its honest portrayal of social and political issues.

This year, the show’s cast is reuniting for the “A Different World (ADW) Tour” and visiting select HBCUs. Their goal: raise awareness and enrollment for HBCUs nationwide using the star power and cultural impact of the show. Inspired by this goal and building on a commitment to HBCUs and the Black community, Wells Fargo stepped up as the premier financial partner of the tour to celebrate HBCU culture and offer helpful resources about scholarships, career opportunities, homeownership and building generational wealth.  

“It’s so important to lay a strong foundation of financial literacy during the formative college years,” shares Dewey Norwood, Wells Fargo Senior Lead Diversity & Inclusion Consultant, Enterprise HBCU Strategy. “Investing in HBCUs and organizations that support them is essential at Wells Fargo, and working with the A Different World cast and tour team aligns with our efforts to make a meaningful impact with students, alumni and community supporters of HBCUs.”

This spring, the Wells Fargo team was on-site for the tour events in Washington D.C., hosted by Howard University. The first event was a reception held at the Black, women-owned Salamander Luxury Hotel where student DJ Madyson Patterson (aka DJ Wild Child) set the tone for the event and guests enjoyed food created by James Beard Award winner chef Kwame Onwuachi. Attendees included ADW cast members and staff from the tour, Wells Fargo employees, and partners in the Diverse Segments space, such as HomeFree USA, the Mortgage Bankers Association, and Bowie State University student mentees from a university leadership program.

“The reception was a great way to kick off this stop of the ADW tour,” emphasized Ewunike Brady, Head of the Home Lending African American Segment for Wells Fargo. “Seeing HBCU students and future leaders alongside the partners that we work so closely with to help empower Black communities and close the homeownership gap was truly inspiring.”

The next day, the “Hillman Takeover at Howard” began at midday and included music, swag giveaways, and more as students lined up for hours to enter the auditorium. That evening, with a packed house, the ADW cast held a panel discussion covering a wide range of topics and student questions.

“Our commitment to this tour demonstrates the significant impact that we know homeownership makes for the future success of Black Americans,” emphasizes Brady. “We’re proud to be part of this community of partners working together to inspire future generations – to celebrate our past and build for tomorrow.”