Season 2 Episode 1 - Part 1

[MUSIC] >> Bronzeville is brought to you by. [MUSIC] >> All of my dreams are reals. Hey, hey, policy, the numbers game. >> I want to see the numbers game. >> I want to touch the phone, help pick the change. >> They changed the phone, help pick the change. >> We're not here just to survive. >> Yes, this is where we all can thrive. >> Living in Bronzeville. >> All of my dreams are reals. >> Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Bronzeville. For episode one, the winning numbers are 3511 and 29. [MUSIC] >> Previously, on Bronzeville. [MUSIC] >> God damn it, it's a fucking cochlear. >> Get down, Sammy, stay here. >> I'm going out there. >> Kill those goddamn spades. >> Kill every last one of them. >> Yes, God damn it. >> Holy shit, Curtis. >> You did it. >> We did it, Jimmy. >> We did it. >> Yes. >> Oh, God, oh Jesus, no, no, my God. [MUSIC] >> It's been one week since building tensions between the Copeland Family Business and Sammy Manetti's crime organization exploded in violence at the bookie palace on Chicago's West Side. [MUSIC] >> When you have a cold, you don't act right. >> Dolson here, I light a lucky and go light on this week. >> That was Trudy Travis with the Housewives Corner in other news. All businesses in the South Side of Chicago, what the residents call Bronzeville, will stop today for the funeral of Negro Gangsta Everett Copeland, who was slain last week and was believed to have been a confrontation with another Negro gang. Copeland had recently been released from federal prison on tax evasion charges. And it's believed that he will be replaced by his brother Jesse, who has never been convicted of a crime. But the day is young. This has been the KMET News Hour with your host, Pop Hopewell. >> You're listening to WVCF, the voice of Bronzeville. I'm your host, Dumbar Hamilton. It's a sad day today. As all eyes in Bronzeville turn to the homegoing of brother Everett Copeland, one of our community's most distinguished members. Life is hard, brothers and sisters, and we all have our own problems. But let's take a moment today and send a prayer to Everett's family, especially his brother's Jesse, Zeke, and his sister Lisa. Rumors abound that Sammy Manetti fled town, but darker whisper speak to a more permanent faith in an effort to keep the city from erupting in racial conflict. The shootout at the club was kept quiet by the Chicago Police, and the Copeland family has been focused on restoring calm and order. >> You two felt this enjoy yourself tonight. We got the best music, cars, booze, and a pretty isolated. >> Younger brother Zeke has returned his focus to the day-to-day operations of the family business, and running his night club. They say sooner or later, anyone who's anyone in Chicago will pass through the doors of the royale. >> I was ever with him. >> Yeah, you and me both. >> Once the temporary had, war hero Jesse Copeland has now assumed the duties that were his older brothers. >> Glad you with me, brother. >> I wouldn't be anywhere else, brother. >> And then there's Lisa Copeland, the youngest sister. Fresh out of college and working at the bank, her courage and intelligence have proven to be a valuable asset to the family, although a promise made to their mother precludes her active involvement in the family business. To add to the complications of her life, there's her growing involvement with Jimmy Tillman. >> What's going on with you, too? >> You know, I'm a fully grown woman. >> Yes, you are, but I am your big brother, and this family means something to people. Recently, a rye from Arkansas, on the run from the law, Jimmy has come to work for the family and has proven to be extremely helpful to them. >> Jim, welcome to the organization, young brother. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, sir. >> The new man is always regarded with some suspicion, but he seems to have passed every test thrown his way. >> Drop him. >> Damn, he looks dead, too. What happened here? >> One of you fellas won't untie me? >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Of course, if the brothers knew of his relationship with their sister, all bets would be off. >> Just don't kiss me here. >> Okay. >> For the time being, at least, the affection between the two may be Bronzeville's best kept secret. Of course, in a place like Bronzeville, secrets abound, which brings us last, but most certainly not least, to Curtis Randolph, eyeball to those who love him, as well as those who fear him. >> That story told me early about Mushmouth Johnson. >> Huh? What did you? Did I kill him? >> Yeah. >> If I said no, would you believe me? >> Still reeling from the death of his beloved Anna, the woman he credits with his redemption. Rumors about Randolph's mental state are not dissipated by the fact that he seems to engage in conversations with his late wife. >> Anna, honey, I need you to look the other way a little bit longer. >> For the time being, though, there is a semblance of order and peace. And now, the family and friends of Everett Copeland turn their attention to sending their brother home. >> I never seen you drink in the morning before I see you. >> You never seen me go to my brother's funeral either. >> I'm sorry. >> A lot of things I've already been doing today. >> You loved your brother a lot. >> Yeah, Clem. I loved Everett a whole lot. What do you think? >> Zika, I'm sorry, I don't know what to say. >> 'Cause there's nothing you can say. >> He's with Jesus now? >> You think Jesus wants anything to do with Copeland Brothers. >> The good Lord loves us all, Zika. >> People like us, too, huh? Like me. >> You know he does. >> I don't even know what I know anymore. When we were kids, I used to go to bed and dream up ways to kill Everett and Jesse. >> I'm sure, honey. It's called being the youngest. What do you think I didn't sit around thinking about taking a straight razor to my brothers? >> Guess. >> Zika? >> Yeah, Clem. >> Are you sure that I can't go with you? >> I told you, you can go. Hell, everybody in Bronzeville is going. You just can't go with me, you understand? >> Yeah, well, I guess I just thought. >> You thought what? >> Well, we've been spending a lot of time together away from the club. I just thought, you know, maybe it would be okay if I went with you. >> You got some time, Clem. >> Well, now, while in the day that I'm getting ready to go and bury my eldest brother. >> I'm sorry. I really am. >> You look good, Jesse. >> Thank you, baby. >> I'm making you some eggs. >> You didn't have to do that. >> I wanted to. This is going to be a difficult day. >> I never buried my brother before. >> So hard to believe he's gone. >> You know, the other day, I had a situation at work just a day-to-day thing. I'm listening to one of my guys lay it out and my first thought is damn. I'm just going to pass this off to Everett. He's better at this leader stuff than I am. Then it hit me. >> I'm so sorry. >> No, no, you don't understand. It hit me was he's in jail. If I want to talk to him, I got to go all the way to Terrahode. And I'm sitting there for a minute trying to fix it. out when I can fit that into my schedule. And if I have other stuff to talk to about, and then I just, man, it's like this hole just opened up in me, swallowed me alive. That's normal, baby. You will get past it. I know I will. And that feels worse. I lost people before a lot of people. But this? I'm not burying any more family. Not like this. Not ever. Mona Lisa. Jimmy, what are you? I've volunteered to be your travel today. Figured you want the company. I really do. Come on in. I'm not ready yet. This is gonna be a tough day for everyone. It is. But you got family. And you're strong together. You all to get through. No, I just. What is it? I don't know. The last few weeks I feel like I've been serving a purpose. Actually, helping the family. Going back to the bank. Don't seem the same no more. No. I need something bigger for myself. I know what you mean. No, listen to me. What about you? You never talk about your family, Jimmy. Well, don't really have none. My daddy disappeared before I was born. And my mama died when I was young. I don't remember much about her. Who raised you? My friend, Arthur's mama. She did what she could. But, hell, we was terrible kids. I can imagine the trouble you got into. I lost people. But never like this. Just let me know what you need. And I'll get it for you. You know, when that helps a lot, I'll see. And you know how I feel, Lisa. And you know how I feel. Well, alright, then. Anna, I seem to have forgotten how to tie a damn nectar. Well, you may have ruined me. It's your fault. Well, you made up for that by always being right. What you mean about, about what, about everything, baby? About every blessed thing. Baby, I have to tell you, I am so tired of going a few hours. This war has caused us too much. And what has it gotten us, huh? I mean, you're gone. Ever it's gone. Even the mayor is jumping down my throat about every little thing. This wasn't a plan, baby. This was not how it was supposed to go. Yes, I know that. Yes, I am working on something. I am always working on something. If we can just get through this next couple of months, it'll all be better. Come on. Now, well, right now, I have to keep a tight lid on this town or else it's all over for us. All of us here in Brownsville, even them. There it is. Ah, I got it. I knew I would if I'd just keep after it. Brothers and sisters, I do hope you've been paying attention to everything that I've said here. Never forget that the good Lord looks over all of us. Yes, He does. And He gave us His only Son, Jesus, to wash away all of our sins. But as we finish up, brother, ever it's homecoming, there's something that's almost as important that I want you to remember. I want you to remember that Brownsville is more than a place for the sisters. Oh, yes. It's more than a address. It's more than intersections of streets and roads and it's more than that elevated train that roars through day and night. Brownsville is an idea. Yes. Brownsville is a promise. Come on now. And if we carry that promise in our hearts, the promise men like Everett Copeland gave his life to. Brownsville will live on long past us. Yes, it will live on long past us. As long as two or more of us congregate together, that's where you'll find Brownsville. Somebody say, "Hey, me." Brownsville will return after a brief word from our sponsors. And now back to Brownsville. That was a wonderful service. Oh, Reverend Thomas was in fine form. That he was. That he was. How are you holding up? Oh, good as can be expected. I mean, I'm going to word about Jesse. This is a lot for him to take on. I know that, but believe me, he's up to the task. That he is. And I'm here to back him in any way he needs. Now, how are you doing, Curtis? Well, I will always miss that one. Oh, God knows we all will. But I'm all right, considering. I've been working on some things that'll help keep Brownsville on track. Oh, that's good. That's real good. Because Brownsville needs you, Curtis. Brownsville needs us all. Especially, I can't overestimate the importance of the release you provide for all of us in this community now. Music has charms to suit us. Oh, shit. What? Loretto coming three o'clock. Oh, she ain't meant for you or me. Oh, you thank God. Oh, damn. You're on your own, Curtis. And here I was thinking we were friends. Oh, friends only go so far, my brother. That one. I'll get you. Hello, Loretto. Oh, Curtis, it doesn't my heart's such good to see you. No one else here really understands what we're going through. Well, we all must persevere through our trials. So much nicer to have someone to persevere with though. Wouldn't you agree? Uh, well, yes. And we are all so sorry for your loss. Ever it was, well, he was one of a kind. Copeland's a family to me and Anna, as you know. And he admired you so much, Curtis. He thought you were the strongest man in all of Chicago. I have to admit. I feel the same way. Uh, well, thank you, Loretto. How are you? Weathering this storm. I'm doing what I can't like everyone is. If you find you have it in you to help a new widow get through her day, I do wish you'd drop by. Oh, here comes Reverend Thomas. We must give him our regards. Would you please excuse me, Loretto? Thank you. Curtis, Reverend, that was, uh, most moving eulogy. Thank you, Curtis. Everett Copeland meant a great deal to this community. I felt it was important we send him off in a manner befitting his station. No one's ever knocked on St. Peter's door as loudly as you did today, Reverend. Now, I wonder if you might spare a little effort and help to save me on a more temporary basis. Curtis? Uh, just usher me over to those folks over there like we got something important to talk about. Ah, the widow Copeland. The widow Copeland. Trying times for her, no doubt. Trying times for us all, Reverend. Indeed, indeed, Curtis. Curtis. Hello, Jesse. Hello, Halle. Hello, Mr. Randolph. That was some ceremony. Yes, it was. Halle, would you excuse us for a moment? Of course. I'll go talk to Betty June. All right. You give him my best. So, Jesse, how you holding up? You know, all right, as Curtis is, there's no holding up. Just gotta do what you have to do. I hear that. Well, we're all behind you, Jesse. Now, remember, when he had to step down a while, you're the one ever chose to take over for him. I know that Curtis. And thank you for your faith in me. You good man, Jesse. Faith in you comes easy. I just hope we've come through all this business and can get back to something resembling normal. Speaking of business, we're moving forward. I told you. This would be a slow process but so far so good, it's essential everything stay calm and peaceful need to make sure nothing disrupts us. Lord give me some peace and quiet. Amen brother. Amen. Miss Copeland, you don't know me but I just wanted to tell you, your brother was a true leader to his people and we appreciate all the Copeland's done for us. Thank you so much. Please, what's your name? Norval Cole. Thank you Mr. Cole, that was very kind of you. Thank you so much for coming today. Of course. Hey Mr. Cole. Say Jimmy. Thanks for coming. Sure. I need to be asking you about something. All right. Excuse me Miss Lisa. Of course. What is it? You know Otis Clemens, right? Yeah, show. You work for the Copeland's. Yeah well, Otis ain't been paying off the way he's supposed to. What? Owned the winning numbers. And I ain't the only one. Netta Albert told me she won twice last but he came back told her she'd given him different numbers than what she knew she'd given him. Oh damn. Okay. Let me look into it. I know we can trust you Jimmy. I do my best Mr. Cole. Thank you. What was that? All just some work stuff. Let's get you home. I think I want to walk Jimmy. Oh okay. Nice day. No, I mean by myself. Everything okay? You sure about that? I'm fine Lucky. I just want a little time to myself. You think anyone is going to mess with me today of all days? I guess not. Don't be looking for Zeke, Mr. I'm telling you I'll be okay. You think I can't take care of myself? Okay. Okay. You win. But you could come by for dinner tonight. Showing off like that. Hey, Jimmy. Where's Lisa going? She wanted to walk home by herself. You know your sister. I do. I do. So you're going to follow her right? That was the plan. Good man. Night falls on Bronzeville. Oh man. I don't care what that summer pitch got me there. Oh man. Ain't nothing left. [door opens] You think it's going to be? But what I do to you that I got to fall in love with a fat man that's nice to know is Harry. Oh, Jesus. Who been smoking up in here? Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no. Harry, Harry get out. What's going on? Fire. Hey, everybody, fire! Okay. Okay, all right. Okay, all right. - All right, all right. All right. (guns firing) (men screaming) (men screaming) (men screaming) All right. All right. (men screaming) (men screaming) (men screaming) (men screaming) (men screaming) (guns firing) - Jesus. What the hell happened here? - Don't know, Jimmy. Whole place is going up. - Where's the fire department? - The innocent broth bill. - They've taken a time. (men screaming) - Oh, yeah! Second floor! - Jerry! - What you're not, Jimmy? - Come on, me, man. - We gotta help those folks out here. - Fire department's coming. - I don't hear nothing. I'm not gonna make a call. Get moving. Be a man. - Shit, let's go, let's go. Come on, come on, come on. She's got the fire department. (men screaming) Get out of here. Get out of here, Jimmy. Where's the fire department? Get out of here, man. - What's up, girl? That's just. Come on, we gotta move. All right. All right. (men screaming) All right, all right. Come on, man. (men screaming) Let's go, let's get, let's get. (men screaming) (guns firing) (men screaming) (men laughing) - Fire, Jimmy. - Jimmy. - I know, I know. - Jimmy, Jimmy. - I know, I know. - Oh, my, Jimmy, go. - I know, I'm sorry. I know, I know. - I'm so sorry. - I'm so sorry. - Sarah! (men screaming) - Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. - Thank God, thank God. (men screaming) - I'm sorry, I'm sorry. (men screaming) (men screaming) (men screaming) (men screaming) - I'm sorry, I'm sorry. (men screaming) (men screaming) (men laughing) (men screaming) (men screaming) (men laughing) To be continued in part two, available now on all podcasts and streaming channels. This episode of Bronzeville was brought to you by Cinema Gypsy Productions. Tateman Entertainment and Global. This episode of Bronzeville is directed by Lawrence Fishburn, written by Josh Olson, and featured the following performances. Lawrence Fishburn as Curtis Eyeball Randall. Lorenz Tate as Jimmy Tillman, Tika Sumter as Lisa Copeland, Lamar Tate as Zeke Copeland, Mackay Fyfer as Jesse Copeland, Oba Babatunde as Harry Davis, Denise Douse as Sarah Davis, Rin T. Brown as narrator, Adrianna Sherry as Loretta Copeland, Rodney Salzbury as Reverend Thomas, Kevin Brie as Hop Hopewell, Michael Shepard as Mr. Cole, Rodney Salzbury as Dunbar Hamilton, Brittany Elena as Halle Copeland, Ashley A. Williams as Clea. Bronzeville season one recap performers, Omari Hardway as Jesse Copeland, Wood Harris as Everett Copeland, Patrick Hughes as Sammy Monetti, Adam Shapiro as Anthony, Cory Hardrick as Casper Dixon, Additional Voices by Preston Butler III, Shantelle Cason, Denise Douse, Jovan Green, Kevin Hunter, Leonard Earl Howles, Iona Morris, Oba Olanayi, Tim Russ Ashford J. Thomas, Roger J. Timber, L. T. Oliver, Harry Williams, Executive producers for the series are, Lawrence Fishburle, Lorenz Tate, Helen Suggler, Laurent Tate, Matt Cuter and Jeff McCarty, co-executive producers are, Melissa Gelano and Lamar Tate, produced by Casey Whalen, Associate Producer, Audrey Kendrick, Composer, 1500 or nothing, Theme Song, Living in Bronzeville, Written by Larry Tate, Lewis Price and Laurent Tate, produced by, Laurence Dopson, Lee Vocal By, Lewis Price, background vocals, Cherine Dopson, Alexandria Dopson, and Laurence Dopson. Story and History Consultant, Michael Theobold. Our production team includes casting directors, Jamie Rudowsky and Christy Faison, CSA. Sound design and editing by Victoria Chang at Whalen Production Studios. Vocal coach, Denise Dowes, production sound mixer, Carlos Soto Longo, still photographer, Celeste T. Holmes, videographer, Dana Rice, graphic designer, Mari Saso, digital media management, Alexia Clancy, first assistant director, Roger J. Timber, second assistant director, Charlie Magdaleno, post-production assistant, Katie Wayland, executive assistant to Mr. Fishbur, Greg Haines, production assistant, Autumn Tate, Amari Woods, and Cory Wright. Caterer, Rose Mary, and sweet tea. Bronzeville was recorded at LA Studios in Los Angeles, California. This has been your narrator, Ren T. Brown. From all of us in Bronzeville, thank you for listening to this audio theater for the mind.