An advanced screening of Fox’s new show, “Our Kind of People” was held for the Howard community last Monday in honor of HBCU week.
The doors to the pre-show party opened at 6 p.m. where students and faculty alike were greeted with free popcorn, drinks, and monogrammed blankets. Host Gizelle Bryant, of Real Housewives of Potomac, took pictures with the crowd of eager guests while a DJ provided music.
Students wait for their chance to get a photo with Gizelle Bryant
“I’m glad Fox is giving this platform,” student Spencer Kelly said. “I’m glad to see Lance Gross in it and other HBCUs [get] represented.”
Cast member Lance Gross earned his Bachelors of Arts from Howard University, and his shoutout to the university in a promotional video earned many cheers from the crowd.
“I think it’s always amazing to see yourself represented on screen,” junior Madeline Phillips said. “I’m definitely looking forward to more shows like this.”
“Our Kind of People” follows Angela Vaughn, played by Yaya DeCosta, as she tries to make space for herself among the Black elite after her mother’s death. The show explores the divide of class that is present in the Black community, and what it means to occupy spaces of privilege while being Black.
“I like how there’s not, like, a monolithic way of being Black anymore,” student Deuce Johnson said.
The show’s executive producers are familiar with this style of show, with Lee Daniels, of “Empire” and “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday”, and Karin Gist, of “Star” and “Grey’s Anatomy”, at the helm. “Our Kind of People” is inspired by Lawrence Otis Graham’s book of the same name, a national bestseller which was given out as a gift to guests who tagged the show on social media.
“If it’s anything like Empire and Star, I’m excited to see it,” said student Ileri Tugbobo.
“Our Kind of People” premiered Sept. 21 at 9 p.m. on Fox.
