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Month: March 2025

March 31, 2025

Honoring Andre: A Family’s Reflection on ‘The Residence’ Tribute to Our Very Own A.B.

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As a member of Andre's family, watching the final episode of the whodunit series The Residence on Netflix was a profoundly moving experience. In my opinion, the show was well written and for the most part, well executed by an amazing cast led by Uzo Aduba, best known for her unique role in Orange is New the Black. But for all the action taking place in each of the series’ eight episodes, I was most moved by the part with no action or dialogue—the closing tribute, a simple yet powerful acknowledgment—"In memory of Andre Braugher".  Seeing those words on the screen epitomized the deep respect and affection the cast and crew held for him.

The Residence is a captivating murder mystery set within the intricate corridors of the White House. The series follows detective Cordelia Cupp, portrayed by Uzo Aduba, as she unravels the complex web surrounding the murder of the White House Chief Usher during a state dinner. Andre was originally cast as the Chief Usher, A.B. Wynter, a role that resonated deeply with his commanding presence and nuanced acting. Tragically, after completing several episodes, Andre passed away in December 2023. The production faced the daunting task of recasting, and Giancarlo Esposito, a close friend of Andre, stepped into the role to honor his legacy.​

Giancarlo's decision was not made lightly. He expressed, "To step in for someone as iconic as he was, but one who I had a personal relationship with, was a difficult decision to make... I realized that Andre was still with us. And if I allowed myself to honor him in playing this character, all would be well." ​

Uzo Aduba, reflecting on Andre's impact, shared, "He's one of our greatest actors. In my opinion, he's always been exceptional, with an impressive ability both artistically and technically. It was a true joy."

Series creator Paul William Davies highlighted the collective grief and admiration within the team: "We all loved him and he loved the show."

Twitter User commenting about the moment they realize that AB stands for Andre Braugher.

The tribute at the series' conclusion was a heartfelt gesture, ensuring that Andre's contributions were recognized and remembered. As his family, we are deeply touched by the outpouring of love and respect from his colleagues. Andre's passion for storytelling and his dedication to his craft have left an indelible mark on all who knew him and on audiences worldwide. The Residence stands as a fitting testament to his remarkable talent and enduring legacy.​

For those who wish to witness this poignant homage, The Residence is currently streaming on Netflix.

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March 27, 2025

“The Dark Side of DNA Testing: Why You Should Delete Your 23andMe Data Now”

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Hey Hicks Fam! Just stopping by to share a bit of info about the embattled company 23andMe and why you might want to delete your account and reconsider using genetic testing sites.

Founded in 2006 by Anne Wojcicki, Linda Avey, and Paul Cusenza, 23andMe emerged as a trailblazer in direct-to-consumer genetic testing. The company's name reflects the 23 pairs of chromosomes in human DNA. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, 23andMe rapidly gained prominence, offering individuals insights into their ancestry and genetic health risks through simple at-home saliva kits. At its peak, the company boasted over 15 million customers and secured partnerships with pharmaceutical giants like GlaxoSmithKline, which invested $300 million in 2018 to leverage 23andMe's vast genetic database for drug development. ​

Despite its initial success, 23andMe faced mounting challenges. In 2013, the FDA temporarily halted its health-related genetic reports due to regulatory concerns. More critically, a significant data breach in 2023 compromised the personal information of approximately 6.9 million users, severely tarnishing the company's reputation. These setbacks, coupled with declining sales and legal entanglements, culminated in 23andMe filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025. ​

The bankruptcy has ignited widespread apprehension regarding the fate of the sensitive genetic data amassed by 23andMe. Privacy advocates and legal experts warn that in the event of an acquisition, new ownership might exploit this data in unforeseen ways, potentially impacting areas like insurance underwriting and employment. Given the limited protections offered by laws such as the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), customers are increasingly vulnerable to potential misuse of their genetic information. ​

In light of these developments, it is prudent for former 23andMe users to proactively safeguard their genetic data by deleting their accounts and associated information. To do so, follow these steps:​

  1. Log into your 23andMe account: Access the platform using your credentials.
  2. Navigate to Account Settings: Click on your profile name or icon, typically located in the upper-right corner, and select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.​
  3. Access Data Management Options: Scroll down to find the "23andMe Data" section and click on "View."​
  4. Initiate Data Deletion: Within this section, locate and select the option labeled "Permanently Delete Data."​
  5. Confirm Deletion Request: You will receive an email from 23andMe to verify your deletion request. Confirm the action by following the instructions provided in the email.​

By taking these steps, you can mitigate the risk of your genetic information being misused in the wake of 23andMe's uncertain future. ​Some customers, however, are choosing to retain their data with 23andMe, citing potential benefits for medical research and personal health insights. They argue that their genetic information could contribute to scientific advancements and that the company's existing privacy measures are sufficient. Additionally, some users believe that the potential risks are outweighed by the value of personalized health information and ancestry insights they receive.

Ultimately, the decision to delete or retain one's genetic data is a personal one, weighing the potential benefits against the risks in the context of 23andMe's current situation. Be careful!

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