A new television show in the works will highlight a part of Tulsa’s history not widely discussed and focus on an area that became a haven for black professionals at the start of the 20th century, reports Deadline.
The series will focus on Tulsa’s Greenwood neighborhood in the 1920s when it held one of America’s most successful black commercial corridors, also known as “Black Wall Street,” says Colorlines’ website, until one day when a white mob burned and looted the area, killing hundreds of black residents.
In 2001, Oklahoma legislature passed the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot Reconciliation Act that provided scholarships and created a memorial for the victims that was dedicated in 2010, reported Deadline.
Colorlines reports that musician John Legend will co-executive produce the show along with actress Tika Sumpter.
Legend’s production company called Get Lifted signed a deal with WGN this week to develop the series that will be called “Black Wall Street.”
"We're so excited to continue to grow our relationship with WGN America," Get Lifted's Mike Jackson told Deadline. "Our experience working with them on 'Underground' has been fantastic. Additionally, we're looking forward to working with our friend Tika Sumpter to help tell this incredible story that many people know nothing about."
