Saying Goodbye to All American: Homecoming : A Celebration of Black Excellence and Representation 

Sept. 30, 2024, marked the day viewers gave a bittersweet goodbye to “All American: Homecoming”; a television series that brought HBCU life and real-world issues to our screens in a way that hadn’t been done in years. After just three seasons, The CW series—a powerful spinoff of “All American”—was canceled, leaving fans heartbroken and wanting more. 

The finale left viewers feeling unfinished, with lingering questions and gaps in the storyline, but the show’s impact on viewers, especially within the Black community, will endure.

From the start, there was skepticism about whether the character Simone Hicks, a supporting character in the original “All American”, played by Geffri Maya Hightower, could lead her own spinoff, but she quickly proved herself. “All American: Homecoming” delivered complex characters with messy, relatable storylines and the sense of family that ran through the show pulled viewers in and kept them invested. All of the characters were unapologetically themselves—offering a refreshing break from the typical college shows viewers are used to seeing. 

The show stood on its own, evolving beyond a spinoff, thanks to its deep dive into HBCU culture, featuring an all-Black cast and addressing important issues like systemic racism, mental health and college relationships. It was more than just a campus drama, it was a celebration of Black identity and the unique experiences of HBCU students. It will forever hold a special place in our hearts, representing us in ways few shows have. 

Some may even say it became this generation’s “A Different World”, the iconic series from the late 1980s and early 1990s that centered around Hillman College, a fictional HBCU. 

Journeys of Manhood: Damon, JR, and Cam’s Path to Self-Discovery

The three main male characters we started with—Damon, JR, and Cam—each embarked on deeply transformative journeys into manhood; grappling with challenges that Black men often face but rarely have the space to articulate. 

Damon, played by Peyton Alex Smith, grappled with his own arrogance and gradually learned how to become a team player; a transformation that ultimately made him a better baseball player. At the same time, he navigated the pressure of upholding his family’s legacy while pursuing his own dreams.

JR, played by Sylvester Powell, was the “big brother” of the group, yet faced challenges with his family dynamic, upholding the legacy of Bringston Baseball, fraternity pressures, and his health. His journey showed the heavy responsibility he carried both on and off the field.

Meanwhile, Cam, played by Mitchell Edwards, another character from the original “All American” underwent a profound shift, transitioning from football to music, as he realized that “Crenshaw Cam” wasn’t the same as “Bringston Cam”. 

Through these personal journeys of self-discovery, each character found his voice, showcasing the layered complexities of identity, vulnerability and the path to self-expression.

Breaking Stereotypes: Thea, Keisha, and Nate’s Unapologetic Journeys

The character Thea, played by Camille Hyde, a fiercely independent tennis star, showed us what it means to be a perfectionist who is afraid of opening up, but still driven to achieve greatness. Her journey resonated with viewers who have had to juggle high ambition and vulnerability. 

Keisha, played by Netta Walker, on the other hand, is a dance major and proved that pursuing arts is far from the easy major stereotype. Her passion and dedication, despite the emotional toll, flipped the script on what it means to be an artist in a competitive world. 

Nate, played by Rhoyle Ivy King, stood out as a groundbreaking character, representing the LGBTQ+ community in a way that felt authentic and true. Nate’s journey of self-acceptance wasn’t just an afterthought—it was a central part of the show’s heart, giving viewers someone to relate to, admire, and root for. 

Supporting Stars Who Stole the Spotlight: Lando and Gabby

The supporting characters who stole hearts and, in many ways, became the main characters were Gabby and Lando. 

Lando, played by Martin Bobb-Semple, proved that if a man truly wants to, he will. His character showed us that HBCU boys can commit to relationships which is seen in his growth from season two to season three. He learned how to love Simone deeply, and his softer side emerged as he evolved; leaving a lasting impression on viewers.  

Heather Harris plays the character Gabby, a woman in engineering, expands the show’s representation and reminds young Black women that they, too, belong in S.T.E.M. Though her storyline was brief, it was impactful, highlighting the real challenges women face in male-dominated spaces. Gabby’s unapologetic confidence also reminds viewers that it’s okay to be outspoken and to never settle for less.

A Glimpse Into Leadership: Coach Turner and President Amara

The show also gave a rare, authentic look into a university’s administration, specifically at an HBCU. Characters like Coach Marcus Turner, played by Cory Hardrict, and President Amara Patterson, portrayed by Kelly Jenrette. Their characters highlighted the challenges of leadership within academia. They shed light on the struggles that unpopular HBCU sports teams face when receiving recognition and funding. Their stories revealed that even the professors and administrators guiding students through life have their own personal and professional battles. It served as a powerful reminder that those in charge carry burdens of their own, making their leadership all the more meaningful.

Simone Hicks: A Beacon of Resilience and Strength 

At the heart of it all, was Simone. From her struggles with teen pregnancy to being a walk-on for the tennis team, Simone consistently defied the odds. Her journey through breast cancer, in particular, was one of the show’s most powerful storylines, giving the young woman a character who refused to let her diagnosis define her. Whether on the court or in her personal life, Simone’s resilience and strength became a beacon of hope and inspiration for viewers, reminding all that survival isn’t just about getting through—it’s about thriving, no matter the challenges. Her final moment on the tennis court in the last episode was a perfect ending, a true ’chef’s kiss’, leaving many in tears.

A Heartfelt Farewell: Thank You to the All-American: Homecoming Family

To the creators, actors and everyone involved in “All American: Homecoming”, we say thank you. 

Thank you for bringing the Black college experience to our screens. Thank you for showing us the importance of representation, diversity and authenticity. We feel like we’ve been a part of the fictional Bringston family, and as we say goodbye, we’re filled with pride for how you represented us.

Viewers will miss Simone, Lando, Damon, JR, Cam, Keisha, Thea, Nate, Gabby, ​​Coach Marcus Turner and President Amara Patterson at their family dinners. We’ll miss the relationships, the storylines and the hard conversations the show sparked. While the series may have ended, these characters will always remain in our hearts, and we’ll forever celebrate the impact “All American: Homecoming” had on the Black community. Here’s to hoping we see these actors thrive in future projects—because once you’ve been a part of Bringston, you’re always family.