By now it’s safe to say John Legend and his production company are inching closer and closer to becoming major players in Hollywood. After the record-breaking ratings and critical acclaim the Legend-produced WGN series The Underground received and the upcoming film about the Obamas love story, Southside with You, it’s only natural that John and his Get Lifted Film Company would attempt to strike again. Their latest series also brings actress Tika Sumpter on board and aims to vividly tell the story of Black Wall Street.
Ebony magazine has the inside scoop about the new project which hopes to tell the neglected story of Black Wall Street. WGN is also showing its bravery as a network by getting on board with such a historically relevant and riveting story.
Via Ebony magazine:
“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.”
“The story that many know nothing about” is based on Greenwood, Oklahoma, an all Black community, known as Black Wall Street that built their own wealth and stood economically independent back in the 1900s. The thriving town was attacked and literally burned to ground by White rioters, becoming one of the most tragic acts of terrorism in U.S. History. Once the home of prominent Black leaders, entrepreneurs, doctors and more, over 300 Black people lost their lives and more than 9,000 were left homeless.
Once a pilot episode is shot and picked up to series by the WGN network, the untitled Black Wall Street series could be officially on television for a 2018 debut.
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