Russell Westbrook And Stanley Nelson Partner Up For Docuseries On The Tulsa Race Massacre Of 1921

NBA star #RussellWestbrook and documentary filmmaker #StanleyNelson are teaming up to create a docuseries about the Tulsa a race Massacre of 1921.

The series titled “Terror In Tulsa: The Rise And Fall Of Black Wall Street,” will take an “urgent, sobering look at the social, economic and political lines that continue to divide the country.”

While the series is considered an “exploration of America’s past,” the production will also showcase present-day narratives of the impact following the Tulsa Race.

“Spending 11 years in Oklahoma opened my eyes to the rich and sordid history of the state,” former Oklahoma City Thunder player Westbrook, said in a statement. “When I learned about the heartbreaking events that happened in Tulsa nearly 100 years ago, I knew this was a story I wanted to tell. It’s upsetting that the atrocities that transpired then are still so relevant today. It’s important we uncover the buried stories of African Americans in this country. We must amplify them now more than ever if we want to create change moving forward.”

Also tapped to work alongside Westbrook and Nelson for the project is “Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez” producer Blackfin.

According to Variety, Nelson is set to direct the series with Westbrook executive producing for Firelight Films banner and Blackfin.

“I am so very honored to partner with Russell Westbrook and Blackfin to direct ‘Terror In Tulsa,’” Nelson said in an official statement. “There is no story more poignant or relevant to the racially charged events unfolding before us today, the frustration, the outrage, the outcry for justice in the wake of the George Floyd killing.

The docuseries will also incorporate input from significant historical organizations, which include the Tulsa Historical Society & Museum, The John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation, the Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Commission, and the Historic Vernon AME Church, the outlet reports.

“The story of Tulsa reveals a significant chapter in the American experience leading up to this moment,” Nelson continued. “It is a story that needs to be treated with dignity, grounded in cultural authenticity, and portrayed with historical accuracy in order to truly understand the impact it has had on our nation. From the cover-ups of the massacre in 1921, to the uncovering of the mass graves left in its wake, the story of Tulsa is the harsh example of not only the history of violence against black people in America, but also the great American sin of burying it out of sight, and pretending that it never happened. For many, it is hard to believe such an atrocity occurred. For others, these atrocities are simply part of the American journey.”