The 1921 Tulsa Massacre had an impact on the community for a century, and on September 29 at 9 PM ET/8 PM CST, "Rebuilding Black Wall Street," a six-part docuseries hosted by Morris Chestnut (The Best Man, Rosewood, Boyz n the Hood), will make its Oprah Winfrey Network debut.
The Black Wall Street in Tulsa's Greenwood District, home to successful Black entrepreneurs, homeowners, and civic leaders. This neighborhood was devastated by a mob on May 31, 1921, and into the next day in what has been dubbed the single, most horrifying act of racial terrorism since slavery. At least 60 businesses and community structures were completely destroyed, more than 1,200 residences were demolished, and 300 people are thought to have died.
In this one-of-a-kind, uplifting renovation docuseries, the Greenwood District is being rebuilt as a community. The journey of courage and joy is being explored. The Chestnut and build teams, led by designers Jon Pierre and Mary Tjon-Joe-Pin (Two Steps Home), take viewers through Greenwood's rich history and the individual adventures of those featured over the course of six episodes. Many of them included are the offspring of the original Black Wall Street tenants. Viewers will be able to observe the physical and psychological hardships associated with large-scale building as new businesses and projects develop and rejoice in the future potential of Greenwood.
The Birthing Center: Montika Collins, a descendent of the victims of the Tulsa Race Massacre, wants to establish the sole natural birthing facility in North Tulsa and bring midwifery back to the Greenwood District. Jon Pierre and Mary, two designers, jump in to help.
The Family House: With assistance from the nonprofit 1256 Movement, Rachel Walker, a descendent of the victims of the Tulsa Massacre, preserves the house that has been in her family for many years. As the design team updates her kitchen, they look at the history of home ownership in Tulsa.
The Transition Home: D'Marria Monday, a descendent of the slaughter that took place in Tulsa, was inspired to create a safe haven for women who had just been released from prison. The design team added unique features to the house.
The Farm: As part of an ongoing initiative to transform North Tulsa's food desert, Ron Finley, a guest expert, makes significant improvements to Rodney and Sheila Clark's family farm as Jon Pierre and Mary put their agricultural expertise to use.
The Mansion: Jon Pierre and Mary are assisted by special guest Ananda Lewis in updating the historic Skyline Mansion, which houses the recording studio for the neighborhood rap group Fire in Little Africa. To reinstate Black history education in Tulsa, educators are taking action.
The Restaurant: The design team and three survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre attend the opening of Fixins Soul Kitchen in Tulsa, which is owned by former NBA player Kevin Johnson. Lael Alexander, a tech pioneer, presents his creations to local authorities.
Morris Chestnut, the host of "Rebuilding Black Wall Street," has been a film and television star for more than 20 years and has seen enormous critical and financial success. He is most recognized for his iconic performances in movies like "Boyz n the Hood," the critically and commercially successful "The Best Man," and its hit follow-up, "The Best Man Holiday." He received his second NAACP Image Award this year for playing "Lance Sullivan" once more in the Peacock limited series "The Best Man: Final Chapters." He was given the honor of obtaining a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Motion Picture category in 2022 for his work as a star in the FOX series "Rosewood" and other credits during his distinguished career.
This show is a collaboration between Warner Bros. Discovery, GroupM Motion Entertainment, and Domino's, a participant in GroupM's Diverse Voices Accelerator, a positive impact program that helps writers, producers, directors, and other creatives from historically underrepresented groups in the entertainment industry.
With the hashtag #RebulidingBlackWallStreet, viewers can interact with the network (@OWNTV) and the show on social media.
Executive producers for "Rebuilding Black Wall Street" are Tulsa Race Massacre survivor Karra Duncan and Ri-Karlo Handy of Sunwise Media. Through his MC8 Productions and Greenwood Creative Studios, Morris Chestnut also serves as executive producer.