Countless fans grew up watching Phylicia Rashad and Debbie Allen grace screens on classics like The Cosby Show, Fame, and A Different World. Phylicia’s hairstyle shaped our style cravings even before the term “mood board” existed. Debbie’s choreography and fashion sense inspired us to carve out our own paths.
A viral clip from Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson’s IMO podcast features the sisters discussing beauty standards and colorism.
Phylicia Rashad And Debbie Allen Discuss Colorism And Beauty On Michelle Obama And Craig Robinson’s IMO Podcast
Phylicia told Debbie she had always wanted to be as beautiful as Debbie. Debbie replied, “But you’re the beautiful one. You’re the one. I was only trying to be beautiful like you.”
The two had the touching conversation during their first adult Christmas alone together in New York.
Debbie connected their childhood insecurities to “the brown paper bag foolishness.” She recalled an uncle telling Phylicia over chocolate milk, “Girl, you better drink all the white milk you can.” Debbie called his words ugly.
She said Phylicia looked more like their mother, and she had wished to be pretty like her.
The sisters also discussed their mother’s guidance, their bond, Howard University, Broadway and television. Phylicia said their mother “never neglected observing us, paying attention to us, listening to what we had to say.” Debbie spoke about teaching students to “compete with themselves, not with something outside.”
A Different World, HBCU Pride, and Black Beauty Return to Our Group Chats
Their dialogue on beauty standards and self-assurance feels especially timely as news of a revival for A Different World floods our timelines, Threads lists, and chat threads. Fans are returning to Hillman to celebrate HBCU pride and revisit the series.
Jasmine Guy, who reprises Whitley, recently faced online criticism about her age and appearance. Some commenters linked her fairer skin to aging; others compared her looks from the ’90s with today.
But support for Jasmine was swift- as it should be. Jasmine is an icon and will always be that girl. Her beauty isn’t up for debate.
Phylicia and Debbie called out the colorism they grew up with; Jasmine faced comments about it and its connection to beauty today. The moments are different, but the ripples of the divisive topics remain.
Watch the entire episode with Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad, Michelle Obama, and Craig Robinson below.
