Today marks a powerful moment in Black cinematic storytelling as Fawesome, the free ad-supported video-on-demand channel, premieres its first-ever original feature film, Greenwood Rising: The Rise of Black Wall Street. This historical biographical drama dives deep into the storied journey of Tulsa’s Greenwood District—famously known as Black Wall Street—and the visionary entrepreneur who built it, O.W. Gurley.

Starring Darius McCrary, best known for his role as Eddie Winslow in Family Matters, the film takes audiences through one of the most pivotal moments in Black American history. With McCrary portraying Gurley, Greenwood Rising not only brings to life the rise of this thriving Black business hub but also pays tribute to the grit, determination, and resilience of the Black entrepreneurs who built it from the ground up.

The film, which premieres today, focuses on O.W. Gurley’s incredible vision and leadership as he developed the Greenwood District into a prosperous center for Black-owned businesses. His legacy stands as a symbol of Black excellence and economic power in the face of systemic racism and adversity.

Directed by Aaron L. Williams and produced by Williams and Joshua K. Carpenter, Greenwood Rising brings together a talented ensemble cast, including Fatima Marie as Emma Gurley, Orlando Eric Street as J.B. Stradford, and Larry Guidry as Tobias. The production’s attention to historical detail and heartfelt storytelling promises to captivate audiences who may not be as familiar with the rich history of Black Wall Street.

Greenwood Rising doesn’t just recount the past, but also celebrates the triumphs and legacy of Black entrepreneurship. The film’s soundtrack sets the tone, merging era-specific jazz with modern hip-hop and R&B beats, making Gurley and his wife Emma’s journey feel current, even as it unfolds in the late 1800s. This fusion of music and history breathes new life into their story, reminding viewers that the fight for Black excellence, economic independence, and justice is just as relevant today as it was back then.

“This project was deeply personal for me,” said director Aaron L. Williams in a statement shared with I Love Us. “The story of Black Wall Street is not told often enough, and the cast brought a level of passion and dedication that truly makes this film shine. We believe audiences will not only be moved by the performances but also gain a deeper understanding of the resilience and innovation that built Black Wall Street.”

Fawesome’s parent company, Future Today, is committed to amplifying diverse stories like this one. Vikrant Mathur, Co-Founder of Future Today, emphasized this in his statement: “As a minority-owned ad-supported platform, we are dedicated to providing space for stories that have been overlooked by mainstream media. Greenwood Rising is a story of overcoming adversity and celebrating Black achievement, and we’re thrilled to share it with the world.”

As we celebrate the release of Greenwood Rising on this day, October 11, 2024, it’s a poignant reminder of the importance of remembering the legacies that shaped our communities. This story serves as both an homage to O.W. Gurley and other Black entrepreneurs who built the Greenwood District into an economic powerhouse and a call to action for modern audiences to recognize the enduring power of Black excellence.

For those unfamiliar with the tragic events that followed Greenwood’s rise, the district was destroyed during the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, a dark chapter in American history where hundreds of Black residents were killed and the thriving community was decimated. The film doesn’t shy away from the difficulties the community faced but focuses on the resilience that allowed it to flourish in the first place.

By highlighting the humanity and ambition of people like Gurley and his wife, Emma, Greenwood Rising not only honors the past but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of Black entrepreneurs.

Catch It for Free

Greenwood Rising: The Rise of Black Wall Street is available to stream for free starting today on Fawesome. The platform continues to expand its catalog of films, documentaries, and TV shows that celebrate diversity and tell important stories. As one of the leading ad-supported streaming channels, Fawesome provides high-quality content at no cost, offering access to impactful stories like Greenwood Rising to audiences everywhere.

Make sure to tune in and witness this incredible journey of perseverance, love, and the unyielding strength of a community that dared to dream big against all odds.

Cover photo: Credit: Still shot from Greenwood Rising: The Rise of Black Wall Street