Month of Love: Dwayne & Whitley❣️
Okay, so as you guys may have noticed, I have a huge appreciation for the show A Different World. It was a show way before it's time that shed light on the lives of young black college students. The show discussed almost every trial and tribulation that are still prevalent in today's society, specifically for black people. It's always had, and always will have a special place in my heart. Through this show, I was introduced to two of my favorite characters ever, Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne.
Whitley is the quintessential rich girl from Richmond, Virginia. She is the daughter of two Hillman alumni, Mercer and Marion Gilbert. While starting off the series extremely snobbish and prude, her character took a turn for the better after the departure of Lisa Bonet in season 1, due to becoming a lead character instead of a supporting one.
Dwayne Wayne is a native of Brooklyn, New York who went to Hillman to pursue a math degree. He was always seen as a nerdy guy with the flip up glasses, who loved to flirt with women (the favor was rarely returned, Lol). While Dwayne had a few girlfriends here and there, including Suzanne Taylor and Kinu Owens, his on-off relationship with Whitley was really a fan favorite.
The Whitley & Dwayne unofficial relationship began in season 2 and into season 3 when Whitley realized that she had feelings for Dwayne. While trying to fight those urges because he wasn't her "type", she would always make snide comments about his crushes/girlfriends, or even go as far as picking out his dates to prove that she wasn't into him. Their relationship blossomed in season 4 after Dwayne and Kinu didn't work out. At the end of season 4, they ended up getting engaged before Whitley left for New York for a business opportunity; however, season 5 hit a plot twist, and I don't want to ruin the show for my folks who haven't seen it yet but trust me, it's a must watch.
The whole reason for this post is because of how much I love the Whitley/Dwayne relationship dynamic. Whitley was this snobby little rich girl, while Dwayne was this homeboy from Brooklyn. Whitley came to college for a husband while Dwayne came to college to pursue his education. Their difference of backgrounds really showed that opposites do attract. Dwayne was able to ground Whitley, while Whitley was able to motivate Dwayne to be the best he could be with his career.
I could go on for days about how much this couple warms my heart, and how they got married is my favorite scene in all of television. I don't want to spill it but if you haven't watched this series, please do yourself a favor and do so. A Different World was like the first black show that I REALLY paid attention to, so Whitley and Dwayne are the first black television couple that I was able to look up to as a kid; and I think they're pretty dope role models. They taught that young love can be successful, they taught that forgiveness is necessary in a strong, healthy relationship, and they taught that if it's meant to be, it will be. Seeing them grow and go through various make ups and break ups, and how much stronger they have gotten throughout each season it honestly inspiring to see how they could put their differences aside to love each other. ❣️
