Peacock's 'Fight Night' honored Atlanta's black businesses and iconic culture – Essence

Peacock's original limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Robbery, It stars a top-notch cast including Kevin Hart, Samuel L. Jackson, Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle and Terrence Howard. Based on the acclaimed true crime podcast of the same name, the series tells the infamous story of how an armed robbery on the night of Muhammad Ali's historic comeback fight in 1970 changed not just one man's life, but the fate of an entire city.

Last weekend, the series made several stops in Atlanta over the weekend to celebrate the premiere of the new miniseries ahead of its September 5th launch. Activities began on August 21 at the BronzeLens Film Festival, where the first episode of Fight Night was screened to a captivated audience. Producer Dianne Ashford opened the event with a video message from executive producer Will Packer, setting the tone for a weekend of excitement and cultural celebration. The screening was a fitting kickoff, bringing together film lovers and Atlanta's creative community to witness the beginning of a series that explores such a pivotal moment in the city's chronology.

On August 23, Peacock and Complex hosted a special advance screening for students from HBCUs, including FAMU, Spelman, Clark Atlanta and Morehouse College. The event, hosted by Speedy Morman, featured appearances from the series' executive producers Will Packer and Shaye Ogbonna, co-executive producer Kenny Burns and actor David Banner, who plays Missouri Slim. Students received custom “Atlanta Influences Everything” t-shirts, pizza from Slim & Husky's and music from DJ Thrice Groove, creating an atmosphere that combined entertainment with education. The event culminated in an intimate panel discussion where HBCU journalists had the opportunity to speak directly with the producers and gain insight into the creative process behind the series.

The next day, the platform continued to celebrate the city's heritage by partnering with eight local black-owned businesses and offering retro pricing at historic establishments such as Paschal's and The Clermont Hotel. These businesses, which are prominently featured in the show, received custom murals by local artists EL Chisolm and Yuzly Mathurin, adding a vibrant and artistic touch to the city. Also unveiled that day was a replica of CHICKEN MAN's 1966 Cadillac Calais, a car driven by Kevin Hart's character in the series, built by the legendary West Coast Customs and its student academy. This iconic vehicle drove through Georgia's capital city, serving as a mobile tribute to Fight Night only a few days left until the world premiere.

The activities surrounding the publication of FIGHT NIGHT: THE MILLION DOLLAR ROBBERY were more than just promotional events; they were a celebration of Atlanta's culture, history and the Black-owned businesses that have shaped the city's identity. As the series prepares to launch on September 5, the excitement generated by these events has set the stage for what promises to be a must-see series that not only entertains, but educates and celebrates the legacy of a city that continues to influence the world.