John Legend, Tika Sumpter Creating Series About Tulsa’s ‘Black Wall Street’

By Sameer Rao Aug 23, 2016

Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Greenwood neighborhood boasted one of America’s most successful Black commercial corridors—until the day in 1921 when an armed White mob burned and looted it, killing hundreds of Black residents. An upcoming series, co-executive produced by musician John Legend and actress Tika Sumpter ("Southside With You"), will focus on this area, which is often referred to as "Black Wall Street."

Deadline reported yesterday (August 22) that Legend’s production company Get Lifted signed a deal with WGN America to develop a series entitled "Black Wall Street." The network recently aired the first season of the Get Lifted-produced slave escape drama "Underground," and it plans to debut the second season in April of next year. Get Lifted is also a producing partner in the Obamas-focused romantic film "Southside With You," which stars Sumpter.

"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."