Nat Geo, Shawn Carter & The Weinstein Company Team on New Global Docu-Series RACE

National Geographic, Shawn Carter and The Weinstein Company will partner on a new global documentary series, RACE (W.T.), which will give a stark and provocative look into systemic injustices in America. The six-episode series will air globally on National Geographic in 171 countries and 45 languages. Inspired by and an extension of issues introduced in "JAY Z: The War On Drugs Is An Epic Fail," the series will weave together documentary, animation and archival footage to tell a profoundly intimate, highly cinematic and strikingly inventive collection of curated tales. Present-day stories will be captured via vérité footage of a diverse mix of people from all walks of life in cities across America - from immigrants to first-generation Americans and unsuspecting voices that might otherwise go unheard. Through these intimate sequences and additional archival footage of decisive cultural moments that have contributed to mass incarcerations, inequality in education and other social ills, RACE (W.T.) will contextualize both past and present events.

Added Shawn Carter, "The stories explored in the project are necessary, and conversations that this series will inspire are needed. The country is not more divided than ever. The deep-rooted wounds and beliefs that are ingrained in our psyche and infect our society have always been here. Right now, we are experiencing the resurgence of attitudes from an ugly time in our history. When talking heads spoke of a post-racial United States of America, prejudices snuck into dark corners; injustices never stopped; and stereotypes never faded. Why can't a person of color walk down the street? Why is a person of color guilty until proven innocent? What is the responsibility of the media, local officials, community and religious leaders? What is our responsibility to each other? With this series, in partnership with The Weinstein Company and National Geographic, we hope to hold a mirror to our broken institutions and ourselves."

"National Geographic and JAY Z are the world's foremost storytellers in their own right, and we're thrilled to be working with them on such an evocative and meaningful project," says Harvey Weinstein, Co-Chairman, The Weinstein Company. "By using highly cinematic storytelling techniques along with JAY Z's singular point of view, (the series will tell a dramatic, thought-provoking story on race in America."

"Racial injustice continues to plague our nation socially, economically and politically. The STAKES have never been higher," said Courteney Monroe, CEO, National Geographic Global Networks. "We have such exceptional storytellers in The Weinstein Company and in world-renowned icon JAY Z, whose own personal life experiences will give powerful context to these issues. Together, we hope to not just present a straight-forward documentary on race, but we hope to ignite a global conversation and build the groundswell needed to bring change and awareness to the issues."

RACE (W.T.) will explore topics that have become crucial issues in America. The six episodes will delve into crime & punishment, wealth inequality, the role of social media, activism and family. Additionally, in January 2018, National Geographic Magazine will dedicate a full issue to race.

RACE (W.T.) will be produced by The Weinstein Company for National Geographic. For The Weinstein Company executive producers are Harvey Weinstein, David Glasser and Patrick Reardon. Shawn Carter is executive producer. For National Geographic, Betsy Forhan is executive producer; Kevins Mohs is vice president, production; Alan Eyres is senior vice president, development; and Tim Pastore is president, original programming & production.