100 years ago, on May 31, 1921, the Tulsa Race Massacre regarded as the single-most horrific incident of racial terrorism since slavery in American history” was witnessed.
The tragedy in Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Greenwood District, known as the “Black Wall Street,” where Black business leaders, homeowners, and civic leaders thrived saw an estimated 300 people killed within the district’s 35 square blocks, burning to the ground more than 1,200 homes, at least 60 businesses, dozens of churches, a school, a hospital and a public library, according to a report issued by Human Rights Watch.
Now, on 100th anniversary of the American tragedy, Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance are set to bring the horrific incident on screen, teaming up to produce an MTV series on the massacre.
MTV Entertainment Studios and Bassett Vance Productions Monday announced the new series on Monday. The upcoming scripted limited series is written by award-winning playwright Nathan Alan Davis.
“A century after the devastating event that left hundreds of Black people dead and entire homes and businesses destroyed, the series will be the first dramatic adaptation devoted to telling the story of Greenwood district in Tulsa which at that time was the wealthiest Black community in the United States and known as ‘Black Wall Street.” The official press release reads.
In the official announcment, Vance opened up about the upcoming series, calling the opportunity to tell a story of the Tulsa Race Massacre, “a privilege.”
He shared, “Angela and I have always had a deep appreciation for history, especially when it comes to stories that are rooted in the Black community. We look forward to working on this series with MTV Entertainment Studios that will explore an important slice of American history as we look to reflect on events that changed the lives of countless Black families in Tulsa, Oklahoma one hundred years ago.”
“We are excited to work with Nathan because his vision directly aligns with the story that Angela and I want to tell,” he continued. “Although the series will revisit the Black pain and tragedy that took place on May 31 and June 1, 1921, it will also importantly introduce to many the stories of the extraordinary, entrepreneurial people who built Black Wall Street and all that this community accomplished.”
