St. Louis natives help lead Netflix’s ‘A Different World’

Harris‑Stowe State University got a special shoutout Tuesday from Kennedi Reece — one of two St. Louis‑bred leads in Netflix’s number‑one show A Different World.

“What’s up Hornets, it’s Kennedi Reece from Netflix’s ‘A Different World,’” she said in her video message.

The reboot has sparked plenty of conversation, and in less than a week it’s become a cultural moment for a new generation.

“As a St. Louis native and an HBCU alum of The Howard University, I know just how special the HBCU experience can be,” Reece said.

Reece grew up in the Chicago suburbs but has consistently claimed St. Louis as home. She often shares how the original series inspired her father to attend Morehouse College.

“My dad went to Morehouse, and a big part of why he went was because of A Different World,” she told Afro.com.

He passed that love for HBCUs — and the show — down to her. Reece was studying musical theater at Howard when she learned about auditions for the reboot.

“I got an email from the coordinators of my program: ‘Untitled HBCU Project auditioning here,’” she told Afro.com. “I submitted a self‑tape and acting reel. I literally threw together monologues I had for class and got an audition.”

She landed the role of Hazel — a character she says mirrors her own story: raised in the suburbs, often the only Black student in the room, and choosing an HBCU to find community.

“There is something so powerful about walking onto an HBCU campus and knowing you’re part of a community filled with history, culture, excellence, creativity and possibility,” Reece said in her message to Harris‑Stowe. “Now, being a part of A Different World on Netflix, I get to celebrate that experience in a whole new way.”

She closed with a challenge for Harris‑Stowe students.

“Make some memories, chase your dreams and make your HBCU experience your own,” she said. “I can’t wait to introduce you to Hazel on Netflix’s A Different World.”

The show was already sitting at number one when she recorded the message for the only HBCU in her hometown.

Another St. Louisan also anchors the lead cast. Cornell Young IV plays Shaquille Johnson — Hillman College’s quarterback and the son of Ron Johnson Jr., one of the original series’ central characters played by Darryl M. Bell.

Young played wide receiver at Riverview Gardens and Kirkwood High School before attending McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois.

“This good brother was an exceptional student leader who actively participated in the TRIO (Upward Bound) Program that I lead,” Ali Kenyatta said in a Facebook post celebrating Young’s success. “He’s always been a great student of noble character. His parents did an excellent job of guiding him into the leader he is today.”

Young will also appear in Tyler Perry’s upcoming drama Doing Life, which premieres on Netflix on Friday, October 2.

In an interview with Men’s Journal, Young said he’s found another tribe within the A Different World ecosystem — on set and behind the scenes.

“I’m meeting good people and good spirits who genuinely care about you,” Young said. “They care about your well‑being and your journey.”

“I feel like this is a show that all generations can watch,” he added. His hope is that viewers see themselves reflected in the world the reboot is building.

“This show is for them to see themselves in this current climate — in this current world. It’s a different world from A Different World.”

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