Hosted by Morris Chestnut, REBUILDING BLACK WALL STREET is a six-part docuseries tracing the century-long impact of the 1921 Tulsa Massacre and chronicle the resilient community rebuilding. Tulsa’s Greenwood District, better known as Black Wall Street where Black business leaders, homeowners and civic leaders thrived. On May 31, 1921, and into the next day, a mob destroyed that district in what has been called the single most horrific incident of racial terrorism since slavery. An estimated 300 people were killed, more than 1,200 homes destroyed, and at least 60 businesses and community buildings burned to the ground. Today, the Greenwood District is a community rebuilding, a journey of strength and joy examined in this unique uplifting renovation docuseries. Over the course of six episodes, Chestnut and build teams, led by designers Jon Pierre and Mary Tjon-Joe-Pin (Two Steps Home), guide viewers through Greenwood’s rich history and the personal journeys of those featured – many of whom are the descendants of original Black Wall Street residents. As new businesses and projects progress, viewers will experience the physical and emotional challenges that come with large-scale construction and celebrate the promise of Greenwood’s future.
EPISODES:
- The Birthing Center – September 29 @ 9pm ET/PT: Tulsa Race Massacre descendant Montika Collins hopes to create North Tulsa’s only natural birthing center and return the tradition of midwifery to the Greenwood District. Designers Jon Pierre and Mary dive in to help.
- The Family House – October 6 @ 9pm ET/PT: Tulsa massacre descendant Rachel Walker preserves the home passed down to her through generations with help from the nonprofit 1256 Movement. The history of home ownership in Tulsa is explored as the design team renovates her kitchen.
- The Transition Home – October 13 @ 9pm ET/PT: Tulsa’s complex history lays the groundwork for massacre descendant D’Marria Monday to build a haven for recently incarcerated women reintegrating back into society, with the design team adding special touches to the home.
- The Farm – October 20 @ 9pm ET/PT: As part of an ongoing effort to change the food desert of North Tulsa, Rodney and Sheila Clark’s family farm gets a major upgrade from guest expert Ron Finley, while Jon Pierre and Mary put their farming skills to work.
- The Mansion – October 27 @ 9pm ET/PT: Special guest Ananda Lewis helps Jon Pierre and soso ssoMary upgrade the historic Skyline Mansion, which serves as a studio for local rap group Fire in Little Africa. Educators take steps to restore Black history studies in Tulsa.
- The Restaurant – November 3 @ 9pm ET/PT: The Greenwood District welcomes Fixins Soul Kitchen to Tulsa, and three survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre attend, along with designers Ananda Lewis, Jon Pierre and Mary. Tech innovator Lael Alexander offers his inventions to community leaders.
TUNE IN:
REBUILDING BLACK WALL STREET airs on Fridays at 9pm ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.
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