“All American: Homecoming” Celebrates HBCU College students Its Personal Manner

Picture Supply: The CW

The CW struck gold when it debuted “All American” in 2018. For the previous 4 seasons, the sports activities drama has largely centered on star soccer participant Spencer James — impressed by the true story of former NFL participant Spencer Paysinger. So when talks of a by-product collection, “All American: Homecoming,” started, many assumed the second installment would naturally proceed Spencer’s story. However showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll had plans to middle tennis star Simone Hicks (performed by Geffri Maya) as a substitute.

“I do know it was very jarring for lots of people as a result of they did not actually see me that a lot [on ‘All American’],” Maya tells POPSUGAR. “So I used to be shocked, too, however my showrunner believed in me, and she or he’s so supportive.” Maya was surprised when she discovered she scored her personal present — her character was solely set to look on “All American” for a handful of episodes. Confusion from the present’s fanbase did not shock her in any respect, however she was happy to be able to inform a brand new sort of story for the franchise.

In response to Maya, Carroll is “very particular” about her imaginative and prescient for the brand new present. The showrunner is intent on celebrating Black individuals — not simply their abilities, however as people. So Simone’s character gave Carroll an opportunity to inform a brand new sort of story about Black pupil athletes. “I could not be extra grateful for the chance due to the storyline, the course that [Carroll]’s taking it, and the way she needs to symbolize Black athletes usually. They deserve a lot love for what they do and the way they’re. It is a present for actual. So I am excited to have the ability to inform this story.”

“All American: Homecoming” follows Simone as a school freshman at Atlanta HBCU Bringston College, gunning for a spot on the ladies’s tennis group. When Maya discovered she’d lead the collection, she brushed up on her tennis expertise to arrange for scenes. “The second that I knew the pilot was a go, I wished to dedicate my time and power to the craft,” she tells us. “As a result of, once more, it is simply not one thing that I usually do, and I did not need to half-ass it. I wished to provide honor to the game and the time and dedication that these girls placed on the road each single time they step on the courtroom.”

The spinoff additionally spotlights Chicago baseball star Damon Sims (Peyton Alex Smith), who turns down the prospect to affix the foremost league to assist construct up Bringston’s baseball program. The importance of “All American: Homecoming” is, after all, how a lot the present emphasizes the worth of Black establishments. However the collection additionally shifts the dialog to incorporate pupil athletes pursuing sports activities that do not simply embrace soccer and basketball.

“It is profound as a result of I do know that there is numerous amazingly gifted athletes which might be selecting to go to HBCUs, once more, simply to provide again to the group with their abilities,” Maya says of the sports activities focus. “PWIs [predominantly white institutions] and different establishments, after all, we may go there, however when you’ve got a possibility to play the game that you simply love and put a faculty on the map that was created for you, by people who appear to be you, it is a win-win in that case. It is simply profound to me to have the ability to inform tales about Black athletes usually as a result of on the finish of the day, we’re extra than simply our abilities, and we deserve to point out that human side to them as effectively.”

Picture Supply: The CW

As a Clark Atlanta College alum, Maya takes pleasure in having the ability to share her HBCU experiences via “All American: Homecoming.” Attending an HBCU is “an expertise that you simply will not get at every other kind of establishment as a result of the HBCU expertise could be very particular,” she says. “I assumed it was simply an alignment that God allowed me to have this chance as a result of I actually lived it.” Carroll was very open to Maya’s tales and reminiscences so as to add a bit extra coloration to the present’s fictional world. “I feel that we do an ideal job at creating these little worlds for every of those characters, however once more, that melting pot of showcasing the journey together with your tribe since you finally do construct that at school,” Maya provides. “You discover your individuals, and that creates a distinct expertise, too.”

“All American: Homecoming” explores the journey of independence that the majority school college students embark on — from managing a work-life stability to setting monetary boundaries to dealing with all of life’s curveballs as an grownup — via an HBCU lens. As an extension of “All American,” the spinoff goals so as to add to the inspiration that the unique constructed: uplifting Black youth. “The general level of making ‘Homecoming’ was not to remove from the mothership present,” Maya explains, “however construct and develop on the characters that [Carroll]’s created in that world.” Whereas the present goals to bolster HBCU illustration on TV, Maya clarifies that it isn’t the be-all and end-all for numerous storytelling.

“I feel the largest factor that individuals have to appreciate is that Bringston is a fictional HBCU, and there is so many various experiences that Black individuals alone have that we will not take each single expertise and suppose that we will actually embody it in 13 episodes. There isn’t any attainable approach,” she factors out. “But when we are able to all be open-minded and obtain the present for what it’s — that we’re attempting to create for our world and hopefully contact on issues that individuals can relate to — then I feel we’re finally doing our job.”

When “All American” aired the backdoor pilot for its spinoff final summer time, it solely gave viewers a style of what to anticipate. However those that tune into “All American: Homecoming” will discover a present that digs into extra obstacles, alternatives, and moments of redemption for younger Black individuals. The collection will not be rewriting the historical past of HBCU illustration on TV; it is merely amplifying a message already established each on and off display screen: that HBCUs matter.

“I feel that it is vital to have fun that tenacity; that persevering spirit will all the time maintain us within the forefront regardless of who tries to knock us down,” Maya declares. “I feel that that is why it is vital for illustration to be on the display screen. . . . Going to an HBCU will not be a script. It is not a scene. It is not a subject journey. Folks truly dwell this expertise; it is part of their lives. For us to have the chance to showcase our experiences, our visions, and our desires, that is particular.”

Maya hopes “All American: Homecoming” can catalyze future reveals to seize collegiate experiences the place Black individuals are honored and celebrated. The spinoff is carrying the torch now, however with sufficient help, it has potential to actually encourage change. “While you watch one thing that makes you’re feeling good and makes you’re feeling seen, it adjustments your perspective, and it adjustments your mindset about you within the areas that you simply’re in and on this planet that you simply’re navigating,” Maya says. “I simply hope [the show] continues to drive significant tales, joyful tales, loving tales, even scary tales. Issues that individuals do not count on us to do and excel in. Simply extra issues that make us really feel good and really feel seen.”

“All American: Homecoming” premieres on Monday, Feb. 21, at 9 p.m. ET.