EXCLUSIVE: With Season 2 of Underground about to go into production, WGN America and Get Lifted Film Co. are deepening their relationship on American hidden history with another series. The John Legend, Mike Jackson and Ty Stiklorious run company has inked a deal on early development on Black Wall Street, I’ve learned. Added to the mix is Get Lifted alum and Obamas’ first date pic Southside With You actress and producer Tika Sumpter also as an EP.
With some additional time to get the WME repped The Haves and The Have Nots star’s deal in place, the overall agreement about the project focusing on what became one of the largest mass killings of African-Americans in the nation’s history came together pretty quickly I’ve heard. Which makes perfect sense as the critically acclaimed Misha Green and Joe Pokaski created and March premiering Underground has become WGN’s most watched original series ever.
“We’re so excited to continue to grow our relationship with WGN America,” Get Lifted’s Jackson told Deadline today. “Our experience working with them on Underground has been fantastic,” the EP added. “Additionally we’re looking forward to working with our friend Tika Sumpter to help tell this incredible story that many people know nothing about.” Sumpter is expected to star in Black Wall Street.
Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the opening decades of the last century, Black Wall Street examines the strong middle class African-American community that was built up in the divided city. Owning businesses and employing many whites in the segregated state, the Greenwood area of Tulsa was a haven for African-American professionals and raised capitol for its own entrepreneurs and ventures. In May of 1921, as several white attackers burned the neighborhood over a two-day rampage that saw up 300 people dead and the community devastated and largely forgotten for decades.
After several books on the massacre and lobbying by descendants, the Oklahoma legislature passed the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot Reconciliation Act in 2001 proving scholarships and creating a 2010 dedicated memorial to the victims.
With some additional time to get the WME repped The Haves and The Have Nots star’s deal in place, the overall agreement about the project focusing on what became one of the largest mass killings of African-Americans in the nation’s history came together pretty quickly I’ve heard. Which makes perfect sense as the critically acclaimed Misha Green and Joe Pokaski created and March premiering Underground has become WGN’s most watched original series ever.
“We’re so excited to continue to grow our relationship with WGN America,” Get Lifted’s Jackson told Deadline today. “Our experience working with them on Underground has been fantastic,” the EP added. “Additionally we’re looking forward to working with our friend Tika Sumpter to help tell this incredible story that many people know nothing about.” Sumpter is expected to star in Black Wall Street.
Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the opening decades of the last century, Black Wall Street examines the strong middle class African-American community that was built up in the divided city. Owning businesses and employing many whites in the segregated state, the Greenwood area of Tulsa was a haven for African-American professionals and raised capitol for its own entrepreneurs and ventures. In May of 1921, as several white attackers burned the neighborhood over a two-day rampage that saw up 300 people dead and the community devastated and largely forgotten for decades.
After several books on the massacre and lobbying by descendants, the Oklahoma legislature passed the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot Reconciliation Act in 2001 proving scholarships and creating a 2010 dedicated memorial to the victims.
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