BLM co- founder lands TV deal

Patrisse Cullors has signed deal to create original programming.

Black Lives Matter cofounder Patrisse Cullors has signed an overall production deal with Warner Bros. Television Group to create original programming that raises Black voice son streaming services and traditional TV channels. The multi year agreement, announced Thursday, represents Cullors’ first overall production deal with a Hollywood studio. Building on her political activism, the Los Angeles native plans towork with the studio to develop scripted drama sand comedies, do cu series and animated programming for children, young adults and families.

“Black voices, especially Black voices who have been historically marginalized, are important and integral to today’s storytelling,” Cullors said in a statement. “Our perspective and amplification is necessary and vital to helping shape a new narrative for our families and communities.”

Warner Bros. said itwould collaborate with Cullors in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and to provide more opportunities for

Black producers, writers and other talent.

Cullors has advocated for antiracist policies and criminal justice reform for more than two decades. She cofounded Black Lives Matter seven years ago along with Melina Abdullah, also of Los Angeles, following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the death of 17- yearold Trayvon Martin in Florida. The verdict prompted Oakland activist Alicia Garza to post on Facebook, “Our lives matter.” Cullors then turned the expression into a hashtag: # BlackLivesMatter, and New York activist Opal Tometi built a digital platform.