A Different World: Mammy Dearest Part 2

First Aired: 12/5/1991

Dwayne seeks a friendship with Whitley, but she doesn't feel like hearing him out. She throws herself into organizing her dorm's official dedication ceremony. Kim and others object when she includes images of "mammies" (black nursemaids in the past, particularly during times of slavery) with the art exhibit. Whitley, Freddie and Mr. Gaines insist that it is important to remember these women's role in history. Kim wants no part of the display and announces that she will not participate in the ceremony. She tearfully confides in Mr. Gaines about a traumatic incident from her childhood. Whitley recommends that Lena learn more about her heritage by reading slave journals and other information at the Gilbert Library. Lena's research uncovers the fact that Whitley's family owned slaves. Whitley is shocked and overcome with guilt. Mr. Gaines advises her to let it go, as she cannot change the past. Kim, Freddie, Lena and Gina organize a performance art piece about the evolution of the African American woman.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• different
• world
• 90s
• tv
• sitcom
• show

[spanishliljon]

Kimberly was a fantastic, complex character.

[kamay81]

This show is so underrated, it makes me sick = (. Poor Kimmie

[eracism09]

Out of all the episodes from this show, I remember this one the most...very meaningful!

[sammygirl62393]

i love this episode!... and my brown complexion = )

[njplr]

Wow, I completely forgot what a fierce TV show this was. Well-written, well-directed, and well-acted, it may well have been the last gasp of the Quality Sitcom. Clearly a direct descendent of the Norma Lear School, it touched on social issues in a way that was both poignant and funny. Kudos to the cast and writers.

[demiere1998]

3:40-4:36 is very sad yet makes me appreciate my African roots and my Southern way of life. My great-great-great grandmama was a house nanny, my great-grandmama a maid and my grandmama a housewife. These women shaped my life and so many other lives in my family today.

[mrmartywaring]

Kim is the finest woman on this show, and Mr. Gaines makes the most sense of all the characters.......

[DaniB0626]

Mr. Gaines always gives great advise. 

[revdrodgerssr]

Slaves that could ...would often buy other slaves for the purpose of setting them free.

[alilee2010]

THIS SHOW WAS THEE BEST... THEY NEED TO MAKE A COMEBACK ASAP

[DonDiva4u03]

My great Great great granddaddy was also listed as a slave owner, But he brought back his family. So even though its listed as he was a slave owner we know that in order to have his family together he brought them back from white slave owners.

[MJThrillerOffTheWall]

her ancestors bought slaves not her. Lena need to chill out