John Legend is teaming up with WGN America to bring the real life story of “Black Wall Street” to a television near you.
‘Black Wall Street‘ was a wealthy black neighborhood in Greenwood, Tulsa that was attacked in 1921 by a mob of angry whites who burned it down and massacred hundreds of black residents over two days.
–Teen dies from asthma attack while allegedly fleeing racist mob
In spite of the devastating attack, the community rebuilt from the ruins until desegregation began.
According to Deadline, John Legend, Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorious’s company, Get Lifted Film Co., has already gotten a deal for early development on Black Wall Street, which will examine the historical role of Black Wall Street itself.
The series will examine how Black Wall Street and the community around its creation became a safe haven even at a time of deep segregation. It will also examine the backlash that the community faced over the course of the two day rampage.
–Black Wall Streeters on the fence about Occupy
“We’re so excited to continue to grow our relationship with WGN America,” 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.”
–Tika Sumpter set to play the First Lady in an Obama romance film