Sinbad recently conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for his fans and supporters in a poignant video marking his first speaking engagement since suffering a stroke in 2020.
In a touching Instagram post, Sinbad, whose real name is David Adkins, shared a glimpse of his emotional reaction to reconnecting virtually with the cast of “A Different World” as part of a monumental 10-city tour at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Reflecting on the experience, the 67-year-old expressed his astonishment and gratitude, saying, “Man, that was so cool. ‘A Different World’ going to Atlanta, going to Morehouse College, on the campuses and getting a chance to be on a Zoom and say something to the kids.” He was visibly moved by the applause captured in the video playing on his phone.
“It’s wild that the kids even know who I am. That’s beautiful. Thank you to everybody who’s been praying for me and saying good things and supporting me during this time in my life. It means a lot to me. Thank you so much,” Sinbad added, his sincerity shining through.
In his Instagram caption, Sinbad extended his appreciation, stating, “Thank you for your prayers, support, and positive thoughts. They’ve carried me this far and will see me through to the finish line. It really is a different world out here!” He accompanied the message with hashtags #WeGettinThereYall and #ADifferentWorld, underscoring the significance of the tour in promoting enrollment at Black institutions and raising scholarship funds for HBCU students.
The cast of “A Different World,” including Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Dawnn Lewis, Glynn Turman, Cree Summer, Charnele Brown, and Darryl Bell, joined forces to champion this cause, emphasizing the enduring impact of the show on HBCU attendance.
Darryl Bell, reflecting on the show’s influence, shared with CNN, “Not a day goes by, for all of us who were involved with the show, where someone doesn’t come up to us and say, ‘I went to an HBCU because I watched ‘A Different World.’”
Sinbad’s journey to recovery has been an inspiration to many. In 2022, his family provided updates through “The Journey Forward” website, showcasing Sinbad’s determination to overcome his health challenges.
The comedian’s resilience was evident as he assured his fans of his continued presence and promised to personally respond to messages from those facing similar struggles. “Expect to see more of me soon, and don’t freak out if you turn around and I’m standing right behind you,” he quipped, exuding optimism. “Miracles happen.”
Sinbad’s stroke, which occurred in October 2020, was a challenging chapter in his life. However, his family’s unwavering faith and the outpouring of love from fans worldwide have been instrumental in his journey toward recovery.
As his family expressed in a heartfelt statement in 2022, “The family believes, without exception, Sinbad is here because of the multitude of prayers from all who know and love him. We are eternally grateful.” Sinbad’s resilience and gratitude serve as a testament to the power of faith, love, and community support in overcoming adversity.