“This project is a legacy project for me,” expressed the rapper. “I don’t think I’ve done anything that directly affected as many people as this project will here in Shreveport. I’m just excited to get to it.”
Jackson arrived at the civic meeting ahead of the officials’ vote to continue their deal. Their approval would also allow him to lease the Stageworks building in the city’s downtown. The discussions over the lease lasted for nearly a year.
However, the 49-year-old wants to continue making films and television using the Shreveport soundstages for decades. He also mentioned his upcoming birthday and wants to begin this new era with more projects underway.
Following his brief but praised speech, the civic leaders unanimously voted for his multi-decade lease of the studios and the Stageworks building. After the approval sparked applause from attendees, Jackson walked back to the stand to thank the council.
“I just wanted to say ‘thank you’. You know, I’ve been a lot of places, with a lot of people and I’ve never been this nervous before,” he shared as the crowd laughed.
Now, Jackson may begin expanding his film and television empire in Shreveport. In the lucrative deal, he will also cover all operational expenses.
Source: Black Enterprise
