MTV & Bassett Vance Align for Tulsa Race Massacre Series

MTV Entertainment Studios and Bassett Vance Productions have joined forces for a limited series inspired by the Tulsa Race Massacre.

The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, considered the single worst incident of racial violence in American history, left hundreds of Black people dead and entire homes and businesses destroyed. The series will tell the story of the Greenwood district in Tulsa, which at that time was the wealthiest Black community in the U.S. and known as Black Wall Street. Nathan Alan Davis will write the series.

Nina L. Diaz, president of content and chief creative officer at MTV Entertainment Group, said: “As storytellers—together with Courtney, Angela and Nathan—we have the privilege of shining a light on a devastating event in our history that is important, necessary and still resonates 100 years later. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to raise diverse voices and create content our global audience is yearning for that is both timely and telling.”

Courtney B. Vance, principal at Bassett Vance Productions, said: “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. 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.”

Davis added: “I am honored to be partnering with Courtney, Angela, MTV Entertainment Studios and their extraordinary teams in this vital endeavor. Exploring the history of Tulsa’s Greenwood District as a limited dramatic series affords us a precious opportunity and a deep responsibility. I greatly look forward to crafting a story that will not only shed light on the people of Black Wall Street, but give fresh life to the spirit, ideas, hopes, fears, and dreams that motivated them.”