Carolina Firebirds owner joins DC-based TV series as co-producer

Margaret Writes and the organization behind the Carolina Firebirds have partnered on the development of Mistreated: What’s Happening to Maria?, a Washington, D.C.-connected TV series centered on sports, music and social issues. Wade Harris will serve as co-producer and help shape the basketball storyline, authenticity and community outreach.

Why it matters: - The partnership adds a real professional basketball owner to a series that aims to portray the sports world more authentically. - The project also links entertainment with conversations about domestic violence, mental health, cultural identity and community accountability. - The collaboration is designed to reach athletes, coaches, sponsors, fans and community organizations across multiple sports.

What happened: - Margaret Writes, LLC and Pro Basketball Raleigh, LLC, the organization behind the Carolina Firebirds, announced a sports and entertainment partnership for Mistreated: What’s Happening to Maria?. - Wade Harris will serve as co-producer and provide basketball insight, community leadership and guidance for the series. - Angela Margaret Newsome, creator, writer and executive producer of Mistreated, said Harris’s experience as a professional basketball team owner will help portray athletes, coaches, team operations, sponsors, business relationships and community engagement more authentically.

The details: - Mistreated follows Maria Vasquez, a gifted Latina composer and live-in housekeeper who experiences hidden mistreatment in the home of professional basketball player Nate Lawson and his wife, Cassandra. - The story centers on whether Nate’s teammates, coaches, friends, relatives and trusted associates stay silent or step in as sources of support, protection and accountability. - The partnership seeks engagement from male and female athletes, coaches, team owners, businesses, corporate sponsors, fans, youth organizations and sports communities across basketball, football, soccer, hockey, tennis, swimming, baseball, softball and other sports. - Margaret Writes and Pro Basketball Raleigh are also inviting the Divine Nine, the historically Black fraternities and sororities of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, to participate because of their emphasis on scholarship, leadership, mentorship, service and community responsibility. - The project is also inviting Latina organizations, cultural leaders, advocates and community members to support Maria’s emotional journey and prompt discussion about workplace mistreatment, domestic violence, women’s psychological health and cultural identity. - Mental health is another central theme, with the series focusing on the pressure athletes and coaches can face and the need for trusted people to notice warning signs and speak up. - The project’s message is: If you see something, say something. - Music will be used as a source of identity, cultural connection, emotional expression and healing throughout the series. - Elijah “LX” Harvey serves as executive producer of music and lead composer. - Harvey’s credits include work connected to the Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, television and film, including HBO’s Succession and Bundles. - Harvey will help shape the planned R&B and Latin-influenced musical direction. - Newsome, who also goes by author Margaret Writes, was born in Washington, D.C., grew up in Seat Pleasant, Maryland, and has strong connections to North Carolina. - Margaret Writes, LLC is planning a new headquarters in Durham, North Carolina while maintaining creative relationships in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. - The company and Pro Basketball Raleigh are welcoming conversations with athletes, sports organizations, entertainment professionals, producers, directors, filmmakers, musicians, sponsors, businesses, film offices, mental-health advocates, domestic-violence organizations and community leaders. - The release also encourages fans and community members to follow both organizations and engage with the project at games and community events. - More information is available on Margaret Writes and Raleigh Firebirds.

Between the lines: - The partnership is less about a single TV credit and more about building credibility with multiple communities that the series wants to reach. - By tying basketball, music and social-impact themes together, the project is positioning itself as both entertainment and a platform for advocacy. - The inclusion of the Divine Nine and Latina organizations suggests the production is aiming for cultural reach beyond a standard sports drama.

What's next: - Margaret Writes and Pro Basketball Raleigh are seeking additional conversations with partners across sports, entertainment, media, advocacy and business. - The companies are also inviting sponsors, film offices and production professionals to become involved as the series develops. - Fans are being asked to follow the organizations as the project moves forward.