In Honor Of Black History Month, Original Musical Written By Local Educator Debuts

CHERRY HILL, N.J., (CBS) -- In honor of Black History Month, an original musical written by a local educator makes its debut this weekend.

The show, called "Tulsa", highlights a rarely discussed race conflict from the 1920s.

This is the seventh Black History Month musical written by Cherry Hill West Student Advocate Keisha Nelson, and the first with an original score.

"Set in 1921 in the Greenwood section of Tulsa, Oklahoma."

"There was the Tulsa Race riot where almost the entire town was burned down due to a riot that stemmed from a conflict."

Greenwood was a bustling African American neighborhood, torn apart after a black man was accused of harassing a white woman.

Nelson says history classes don't usually cover this historic event, and the students in the cast are excited to tell the story.

"They are super-appreciative of getting a chance to learn more about their culture, specifically because this isn't a story that has been highlighted in other curricula."

Nelson's husband wrote the score. Student musicians adapted it and will perform it.

"Tulsa" will be performed Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. at Cherry Hill West High School.