THE HISTORY(R) CHANNEL EXPANDS PARTNERSHIP WITH MORGAN FREEMAN WITH NEW TWO-HOUR DOCUMENTARY "BLACK PATRIOTS: THE 761ST BATTALION" (WORKING TITLE)
PRODUCED BY FREEMAN AND LORI McCREARY'S PRODUCTION
COMPANY REVELATIONS ENTERTAINMENT THE SPECIAL TELLS
THE POWERFUL STORY OF THE HEROIC FIRST BLACK-ARMORED
UNIT TO SERVE IN COMBAT DURING WWII
New York, NY - March 8, 2023 - The HISTORY(R) Channel announces its new two-hour documentary
"Black Patriots: The 761st Battalion" (working title) featuring Academy Award(R)-winning actor
Morgan Freeman. Produced by Freeman and Lori McCreary's production company, Revelations
Entertainment, in association with GroupM Motion Entertainment, the powerful documentary will
tell the true story of the 761st Tank Battalion, the first Black tank unit to serve in combat during WWII,
and explore in-depth the two major battles they faced - the expansion of Nazism in Europe and racism,
oppression, and inequality at home. The documentary will mark Revelations' third major collaboration
with the network.
"It is my honor to partner with The HISTORY Channel on telling the important story of the heroic 761st
Battalion," said Freeman. "The 761st is a story I've wanted to tell for more than two decades. And now,
during this time when the sharing of Black history is being censored and omitted, the bravery and valor of
these incredible men not only deserves but needs to be told. Their sacrifice for this country was crucial to
our victory over Nazi Germany. But they have never received proper credit."
The 761st Tank Battalion, better known as the first Black Panthers, was the only Black tank unit to see
combat in World War II. Formed in the spring of 1942, these units of soldiers played a significant role in
military operations during the war against Nazi Germany. However, while the majority Black battalion
was fighting one battle overseas, they were simultaneously fighting another in their home country -
against racism, segregation, and inequality. "Black Patriots: The 761st Battalion" (w.t.) will feature
Freeman interviewing one of the last surviving members of the 761st, as well as the current and first Black
Secretary of Defense, Secretary Lloyd Austin, alongside new and archival interviews, period footage, still
photographs and new commentary and stories from family and relatives of the Black Panther soldiers.
The documentary will also feature insights and opinions of prominent historians on WWII and experts on
race and inequality in America.
"Black Patriots: The 761st Battalion" (w.t.) is produced for The HISTORY Channel by Revelations
Entertainment, in association with GroupM Motion Entertainment. It is directed by Phil Bertelsen, who
will serve as executive producer along with James Younger, Lori McCreary and Kelly Mendelsohn for
Revelations Entertainment. Richard Foster and Chet Fenster serve as executive producers for GroupM
Motion Entertainment. Eli Lehrer and Jennifer Wagman serve as executive producers for The HISTORY
Channel.
A+E Networks holds worldwide distribution rights to "Black Patriots: The 761st Battalion" (w.t.).
About The HISTORY(R) Channel
The HISTORY(R) channel, a division of A+E Networks, is the premier destination for historical
storytelling. From best-in-class documentary events to a signature slate of industry leading
nonfiction series and premium fact-based scripted programming, The HISTORY(R) Channel
serves as the most trustworthy source of informational entertainment in media. The HISTORY(R)
Channel has been named the #1 U.S. TV network in buzz for seven consecutive years by
YouGov BrandIndex, and a top favorite TV network by Beta Research Corporation. For a deeper
dive, visit history.com or follow @history on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and
TikTok. For additional press materials visit the A+E Networks Press Center
at http://press.aenetworks.com.
About Revelations Entertainment
Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary's Revelations Entertainment mission is to reveal truth. Academy
Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman and Emmy-nominated producer Lori McCreary produced the hit
series "MADAM SECRETARY." Revelations' film credits include the Award-winning INVICTUS and 5
FLIGHTS UP. Accolades include an Emmy nomination for THE STORY OF GOD, three Emmy award
nominations for "THROUGH THE WORMHOLE," a Peabody Award for the ESPN "30 for 30" episode
"The 16th Man" and an Academy Award nomination for Morgan Freeman in the film "INVICTUS."
Morgan Freeman, Lori McCreary, and Revelations are represented by Fred Specktor of CAA and Darin
Frank and Jill Varon of Offer, Weber & Dern.
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