Source: tvspielfilm.de

Set in 1950′s segregated Alabama, Polly was the all black remake of the original Pollyanna. With the Cosby connection and Debbie Allen directing, people were anxious to see it. You know the story, you’ve watched the VHS over and over again but we bet you don’t know these behind the scenes secrets.

Known for being a show created by Bill Cosby, as a spin-off of “The Cosby Show,” “A Different World” went on to become one of the longest running black sitcoms.  We learned a lot of lessons from the show and had many laughs. And, who can forget those theme songs by Aretha Franklin and Boyz II Men? Here are 10 memorable episodes from one of our favorite black shows.

If you’ve been living under a rock for like…forever, Howard University is the historical black college in Washington, D.C. that has been one of the leaders for turning students into future leaders of tomorrow. The school also been the alma mater to many high profile black celebrities. Here are 10 ladies who enrolled at HU and either graduated (some with honors) or made a big impact during their time there.

http://www.starscolor.com

Taraji P. Henson
The Academy Award nominated actress hustled to make her way through college and support herself. She was first enrolled at North Carolina University Agricultural and Technical. She then transferred to Howard and majored in theater. Henson had a job as a secretary at the Pentagon and was a singer and dancer on a cruise ship to help cover the costs of her education. She graduated in 1995 with a degree in theater arts.

Episode 2 of Idris Elba’s Milk + Honey web series is finally here.  In episode 2, Nia and Will (Lance Gross) reminisce about the good old times after reuniting, and Harper faces rejection at work despite attempts to stay on top.

Let us know what you think of the next chapter. If you missed episode 1, watch it here.

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

More on Madame Noire!

• 9 Celeb Men Whose Antics Have Cost Them Their “Swexy”
• Shocking! Bronx Groom Commits Suicide Hours After Wedding
• Top Ten Best Hair Products for the Newly Natural
• 9 Reasons He’s Pulling Away From You
• Natural Hair Goes Corporate: Will the Masses Get It?
• 6 Essential Oils You Should Consider to Promote Natural Hair
• Is LisaRaye Engaged to a Megachurch Pastor?

Debbie Allen was on the Wendy Williams show recently, mostly talking about her relationship with Mariah Carey, who she’s like a second mother to. But she also shared a few gems of wisdom for Fantasia after Wendy asked what the singer needs to do to repair her reputation:

“I wish she would just step away from all the people around her, step into her own footsteps, away from everybody around her and get her own voice… She’s got a gift from God. God will help tell her where to go. She’s got too many leeches around her and it makes her second guess herself.”

Debbie Allen goes on to talk about Fantasia’s low point and says she needs to focus attention on her young daughter. It’s been a tough year for Fanny after rumors spread of a relationship with a married man, Antwuan Cook; an attempted suicide; and announcing a second pregnancy. Do you think Fantasia can revive her career if she listens to this advice?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

More on Madame Noire!

• Ready For A Ring? Find Out What Men Look for When Choosing A Wife
• The Future of Famous: Cute Kids Of Our Favorite Celebrities
• The Jingling Baby: Bold and Fashionable Bracelets
• Husband Hunting? 10 Traits To Look For In A Spouse
• Does Your Relationship Need a Refresh
• She Get It From Her Mama! Mother & Daughter Stars We Love
• Hair Drama: What Not to Do When You Decide to Weave it Up

LA Production Company: Brown Paper Dolls (L-R Jeanette McDuffie, Asha Kamali May and Dana Gills)

We’ve known for some time now that Idris Elba had a web series in the works. And while we’re sad to say that he won’t be starring in the webisodes; he’s an executive producer, equally Hot, Lance Gross plays one of the main characters. You’ll also notice on of our favorites Debbie Allen appears in the series.

Milk + Honey details the lives of African American actresses trying to make their mark in the overly competitive sometimes hostile environment of Hollywood. Whether you’re pursuing a career in entertainment or not that’s something most black women around the world can relate to.

Check out the first full episode below.

milk + honey: episode 1 from brown paper dolls on Vimeo.

Now that you’ve watched the episode let us know what you think about the series and whether you’ll keep watching in the comments section below.

More on Madame Noire

• 7 Tips On Raising Your Son To Be A Great Man
• Come Back! NBA Eye Candy We Can’t Wait To See Back On The Court
• 7 Reasons Why Marriage is a Joke
• 8 Dating Truths That Women Refuse To Accept
• 7 Things White People Don’t Understand About Black Hair
• Scandalous Songs I Probably Shouldn’t Have Been Singing as a Kid