Nelly, John Legend, Jeremih + More Rock Night 1 Of Roots Jam Session 2016 In L.A.
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John Legend is partnering up with WGN America to tell the story of an important part of black American history: Black Wall Street.
In a report from Deadline, Legend will be spearheading a series about Black Wall Street (the show is also named after the important black community), 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.
However in spite of the devastating attack the community rebuilt from the ruins until desegregation began.
The show 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.
Get Lifted Company, the production team created by Legend, Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorious, has already gotten a deal for early development on Black Wall Street.
"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."
Black Wall Street serves as another project Legend is a part of with WGN America. He's also the executive producer of Underground, which will start its second season some time in early 2017, on the cable and satellite channel. Considering that Legend will be acting in this second season of Underground (he'll portray iconic abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass), maybe we'll also see him pop up in Black Wall Street.
However, it'll be some time before we see the show hit TV since its in early development. But it could debut some time in 2018 if picked up to series.
