Black America’s most thriving, prominent community built from the ground up post-Civil War came and went with the blink of an eye. In less than two days, the once lively area in Tulsa, Oklahoma that stretched for miles ran by black business owners burned to the ground. The 1921 Tulsa riots are known as the largest, bloodiest race riot in American history with more than 300 people murdered. The bloodshed caused by envious whites was hidden away from the history books.
A first-ever TV project about Black Wall Street is in the works.
Thanks to an ongoing collaboration between WGN America and Get Lifted Film Co., a Black Wall Street project is in early development. The production company fronted by John Legend with Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorious is known for the critically acclaimed drama, Underground which is currently in production for its second season. Deadline first released the news on Monday, noting that the Black Wall Street project is slated to debut in 2018 if it is picked up as a series.
Actress-producer Tika Sumpter will serve as the project’s executive producer.
“We’re so excited to continue to grow our relationship with WGN America,” Get Lifted’s Jackson told Deadline exclusively . “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.”
Over the years, a few indie documentaries have chronicled the 1921 riots. In 2014, Oprah’s OWN ordered a two-night scripted event titled, Tulsa starring Octavia Spencer. A release date for the miniseries has not been announced.
