Black-ish star Marsai Martin is one of our faves here at Blavity, so naturally we are super excited about her new project! We reported to you a while back that she was cast in a new An American Girl Story special from Amazon, and now we have the first-look at Melody 1963: Love Has to Win.

Additionally, we now know that the special will premiere on October 21 on Amazon Prime. It also stars Frankie Faison, Frances Fisher and Idara Victor.

The story is based in Detroit, in the midst of the civil rights movement of the 1960s. After the Birmingham church bombing, young Melody is forced to challenge creeds and promises stated in the Pledge of Allegiance, as she begins on a journey of self-reflection in order to stand up for what she believes in.

Considering the political and racial climate in our country right now, this story couldn’t come at a better time.

You can watch the full trailer above.


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