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 targeted on star soccer participant Spencer James — impressed by the true story of former NFL player Spencer Paysinger. So when talks of a derivative sequence, “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 an alternative.
“I could not be extra grateful for the chance due to the storyline, the route that [Carroll]’s taking it, and the way she desires to symbolize Black athletes generally.”
“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 seem 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 form of story for the franchise.
In keeping with Maya, Carroll is “very particular” about her imaginative and prescient for the brand new present. The showrunner is intent on celebrating Black folks — not simply their abilities, however as people. So Simone’s character gave Carroll an opportunity to inform a brand new form of story about Black scholar athletes. “I could not be extra grateful for the chance due to the storyline, the route that [Carroll]’s taking it, and the way she desires to symbolize Black athletes generally. They deserve a lot love for what they do and the way they’re. It is a reward for actual. So I am excited to have the ability to inform this story.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SapJ_u0AH-Y
“All American: Homecoming” follows Simone as a university freshman at Atlanta HBCU Bringston College, gunning for a spot on the ladies’s tennis staff. When Maya discovered she’d lead the sequence, she brushed up on her tennis expertise to arrange for scenes. “The second that I knew the pilot was a go, I needed to dedicate my time and vitality 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 wish to half-ass it. I needed to offer honor to the game and the time and dedication that these girls placed on the road each single time they step on the courtroom.”
“It is simply profound to me to have the ability to inform tales about Black athletes generally as a result of on the finish of the day, we’re extra than simply our abilities, and we deserve to indicate that human side to them as effectively.”
The spinoff additionally spotlights Chicago baseball star Damon Sims (Peyton Alex Smith), who turns down the prospect to hitch the main 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 sequence additionally shifts the dialog to incorporate student athletes pursuing sports activities that do not simply embody soccer and basketball.
“It is profound as a result of I do know that there is plenty of amazingly gifted athletes which might be selecting to go to HBCUs, once more, simply to offer again to the neighborhood with their abilities,” Maya says of the sports activities focus. “PWIs [predominantly white institutions] and different establishments, after all, we might go there, however when you have a chance to play the game that you just love and put a faculty on the map that was created for you, by folks that 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 generally as a result of on the finish of the day, we’re extra than simply our abilities, and we deserve to indicate that human side to them as effectively.”
Picture Supply: The CW
“I believed it was simply an alignment that God allowed me to have this chance as a result of I actually lived it.”
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 just will not get at every other sort of establishment as a result of the HBCU expertise may be very particular,” she says. “I believed 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 recollections so as to add a bit extra shade to the present’s fictional world. “I believe that we do an incredible job at creating these little worlds for every of those characters, however once more, that melting pot of showcasing the journey along with your tribe since you finally do construct that at school,” Maya provides. “You discover your folks, and that creates a special expertise, too.”
“All American: Homecoming” explores the journey of independence that almost all college students embark on — from managing a work-life steadiness 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 broaden on the characters that [Carroll]’s created in that world.” Whereas the present goals to bolster HBCU illustration on TV, Maya clarifies that it is not the be-all and end-all for various storytelling.
“I believe the largest factor that individuals have to comprehend is that Bringston is a fictional HBCU, and there is so many alternative experiences that Black folks alone have that we will not take each single expertise and assume that we’ll actually embody it in 13 episodes. There isn’t any attainable manner,” 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 believe we’re finally doing our job.”
When “All American” aired the backdoor pilot for its spinoff final summer season, 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 folks. The sequence will not be rewriting the historical past of HBCU representation on TV; it is merely amplifying a message already established each on and off display: that HBCUs matter.
“I believe that it is vital to have a good time that tenacity; that persevering spirit will all the time hold us within the forefront regardless of who tries to knock us down,” Maya declares. “I believe that that is why it is vital for illustration to be on the display. . . . Going to an HBCU will not be a script. It isn’t a scene. It isn’t a area 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 exhibits to capture collegiate experiences the place Black persons are honored and celebrated. The spinoff is carrying the torch now, however with sufficient assist, it has potential to really encourage change. “While you watch one thing that makes you are feeling good and makes you are feeling seen, it modifications your perspective, and it modifications your mindset about you within the areas that you just’re in and on this planet that you just’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.
