Tag: fiction

A Different World: Favorite Characters

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Calling my fellow A Different World (ADW) fans!

Now that ADW 2026 has launched, who are your favorite characters?

MY FAVORITE CHARACTERS: Professor Freddie Brooks, Esq., Deborah Wayne, and Kojo Achebe

Freddie was my favorite character from the original ADW. I loved her evolution from boho vegan + astrology lover + social justice activist to law student. I could totally relate to her boho spirit! Her Hillman law school journey made me think of my Howard Law journey. I always wondered what type of legal career she had and what happened to her relationship with Ron. Part of me wanted her to work on Black women’s reproductive health issues in a nonprofit organization and have a lifelong partnership with Ron that did not include children.

I love seeing an older and wiser Professor Freddie with her fabulous boho grooviness, social justice passion and activism, turquoise jewelry, love affair with Professor Baptiste (played by actor and comedian Norman Nixon, Jr., Debbie Allen and Norm Nixon’s son), and classroom discussion that referenced bell hooks’ wisdom from “All About Love: New Visions” (1999). Throughout the entire 10 episodes, I kept wondering what happened between Freddie and Ron. Episode 10 answered my question (not gonna spill the tea in case folks haven’t watched the entire series).

I also love Deborah Wayne because she represents a 2026 version of a Black American Princess (BAP) who happens to be a daddy’s girl that drives her BAP momma Whitley CRAZY!!!!! I think Deborah is payback from Whitley and all of her BAP drama. I loved seeing Deborah navigate the ups, downs, and in-betweens of her “freshwoman” year at her parents’ alma mater. I could totally relate to many of her experiences given what happened during my “freshwoman” year at Morgan State University in Baltimore. The writers did an amazing job illustrating her self-discovery journey. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the relationship dynamics she had with her parents. I also loved the Black girl self-love focus of her independent art major presentation during the talent show.

The character Kojo Achebe stole my heart with his beautiful skin, suave GQ unique style, and London accent. I am a fan of Black British culture, music, art, fashion, food, and everything in between. I totally dig Kojo’s vibe and commitment to becoming a fashion designer. I really love his relationship journey with Rashida. His last name Achebe makes me think of Nigerian author Chinua Achebe and the first time I read his book, “Things Fall Apart” during my “freshwoman” year at Morgan in 1983. Also, I adore Kojo’s parents, Abena Achebe played by Ghanaian-American actress Tina Tena Ansah, and Chukwu played by Richard Mofe‑Damijo, the veteran Nollywood actor. I became a fan when I fell in love with his character Tega Castle, the husband, father, managing partner, and law professor in Castle & Castle, my favorite Nigerian legal series (two seasons on Netflix).

Photo Credit: Netflix

My Februllage 2026 Collage for Day 12: Magnet

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Today’s #Februllage prompt is MAGNET. My collage is entitled “Dream Magnets Connecting Me to Iemanja, Salvador da Bahia, and Grandma Gartin’s Love, Wisdom, and Protection.”

My dreams have always carried messages of divine wisdom. They often feel like magnets that connect me to grounding forces, experiences, and places.

The collage features blue magnets and photos of my great grandmother Ida Mae Farmer Gartin (Grandma Gartin), me sleeping, Iemanja sculpture on my forehead (located in Rio Vermelho neighborhood in Salvador), and the Casa de Iemanja and Praia do Rio Vermelho (Rio Vermelho Beach) in Salvador da Bahia.

This winter, I have had several dreams about Grandma Gartin, Iemanja/Yemanya (Candomble Oxisa/Yoruba Orisha of the sea and motherhood), and Casa de Iemanja (Yemanya’s House).

Although I never met Grandma Gartin, my mom Theresa told me stories about her. The messages she has been sharing with me in my dreams center around honoring my body as a sacred temple with healthy eating, movement, and living. I call her my wellness shero.

The Iemanja sculpture on my forehead lets me know I am Iemanja’s daughter (like all of my womanline ancestors). When she appears in my dreams, she reminds me to mother myself with great care by standing in my divine power and serving as a better steward of my creativity, gifts, and resources. She has also invited me to visit Casa de Iemanja, Rio Vermelho neighborhood, Salvador da Bahia, and Brazil regularly.

YOUR INVITATION


Click on the video below and listen to my song, “Ancestral Medicine” that is featured on my debut album, Thriving Mindfully As Theresa’s Daughter as you reflect on the questions below.

1) Do your loving + wise + well ancestors visit you in your dreams and offer wisdom?

2) Think of a time when you followed your ancestors’ wisdom. How did it impact your life?