The Administration at Harvard University, the country’s premier institution for higher learning are confirming what I and many other members of the Highbrid Nation already knew….HBO’s The Wire was the best television drama of all time.  The University has announced a new course based on the critically-acclaimed series about struggles of urban life in Baltimore.

The course which will be taught by sociology professor William J. Wilson will use the show a case study to  understand urban social issues of poverty in America.

“‘The Wire’ has done more to enhance our understanding of the systemic urban inequality that constrains the lives of the poor than any published study” Wilson said.

The show’s actors attended a panel with school professors to discuss themes which will discussed during the course.  The audience was encouraged to internalize the harsh realities of the social ills depicted by the series and to develop solutions.

“Everything we’re doing to make the world a better place is really for our kids,” said actor Michael K. Williams, who played gay stick-up artist “Omar Little” on the show. “Our kids are dying in huge numbers. It’s the real wire.”

As a result of the impact the show’s storyline several cast members started Rewired for Change a the non-profit designed to help at-risk youth in the areas of Baltimore depicted in the series.  “The Wire.” Sonja Sohn, who played detective “Kima Greggs” encouraged audience members to make similar changes in the communities they learn about through “The Wire” and the new Harvard course.

“Become a part of these communities. These circumstances will not change if you do nothing,” Sohn said. “Get it moving. Get it popping. Get up off your butt and do something.”

The event and the class is the brainchild of African American studies chair Professor Evelyn B. Higginbotham and is sponsored by two local charitable organizations, the Boston Foundation and the Ella J. Baker House.

Via: The Harvard Crimson

Clearly I’ve always been a biased voice when it comes to “The Wire” however this announcement serves as vindication for all that I and the rest of the cult following has been saying since the show hit the air.  The Wire is TRUE reality TV.  The characters names have just been changed to protect the innocent…and not so innocent.

To that end, the show was canceled far before its time due to a lack of viewership.  Some believe it was such a shockingly real depiction of the streets harsh realities that it was rejected by the mainstream who were either in disbelief or denial.  The intense story line and character driven plots not only provided a window into life on the streets of Baltimore but captivated us as viewers.  I’m just glad that the show in its passing has finally been given the respect it was due.  This is a fitting tribute.