The show, which is currently in its fourth season, reaches a total of 80 million homes. Since its launch in 2016, the show has brought attention to universal issues of culture, class, and gender, as well as specific concerns of African American society. During the two-part finale premiere of season 4, episode 12 entitled “Here,” one of the show’s lead characters, “Micah” portrayed by actor Nicholas Ashe, chose to enroll into Xavier over several other prestigious Ivy League universities that he was accepted into. This moment was not only pivotal for that character in Queen Sugar, but it also marked a significant moment in history for Xavier University of Louisiana and for the country. 

Cast member Tanyell Waivers, who portrays Micah’s girlfriend “Keke,” made a surprise meet and greet with Xavier students, faculty and alumni at the university’s campus watch party. “Growing up knowing that my parents met here at Xavier and being here tonight made my awareness of what my parents experienced in college. Her father Tyronne Waivers was a XULAgold basketball starter and Assistant Coach, and her mother Avis was a XULAgold cheerleader. Waivers continue, “I feel so proud to be able to represent a school like Xavier because there’s more to our academic achievements, and I’m happy to broaden that awareness to the world.” 

As reflected in yesterday’s historic finale, Micah ultimately chose a Xavier education not only for the standards of excellence in the university’s academic programs but for the commitment to its mission of honoring African American cultural traditions and universal Catholic values. 

As Xavier embarks upon its next century of service, it remains committed to the goal of providing equal access and opportunity for students of all backgrounds and acts as an engine of economic mobility for the years to come.