Wendell Pierce
Wendell Pierce is recognized by film audiences for his extensive work for directors including Woody Allen, Spike Lee, Brian De Palma, Barry Levinson, Sidney Lumet, and Paul Schrader. He was hailed for his portrayal of Det. Bunk Moreland on five critically acclaimed seasons of The Wire (2002-2008). His next series, Treme (2010), reunites him with the same creative team: HBO, David Simon, and Eric Overmyer. Set in post-Katrina New Orleans, it chronicles the rebuilding of the city through the eyes of local musicians. Pierce is a native of New Orleans and has worked to rebuild the the neighborhood in which he was raised. He formed Pontchartrain Park Communnity Development Corporation, featured on CNN in the documentary film New Orleans Rising with Soledad O’Brien, a non-profit corporation to rebuild 350 affordable and environmentally friendly homes which will preserve the community character and help longtime residents come back to their neighborhood.