The Center for Media Justice Blog Mentions ‘Middle of Nowhere’

Earlier today, members of the Media Action Grassroots Network (MAG-Net) and the Campaign for Prison Phone Justice met with Commissioners and staff at the FCC. But unlike most policy meetings, this meeting included a Sundance award winning movie screening—and a historic conversation.

The first part of the meeting included a screening of Ava DuVernay’s film, Middle of Nowhere. Set to release on Oct. 12^th, the film “chronicles a woman’s separation from her incarcerated husband, revealing the challenges faced by families in staying connected to loved ones in prison and the effect on both parties.” Lindsay Guetschow–from Participant Media–was present to talk about their social action partnership with MAG-Net which includes launching The Wright to Call Home website.

The second part of the meeting featured what can only be called a “historic” conversation. Gathered on the 8^th floor–Mrs. Martha Wright, her grandson Mr. Ulandis Forte and Mr. Jackie Lucas–three named plaintiffs from Martha Wright vs. Corrections Corporation of America–shared their personal stories related to the Wright Petition (Docket 96-128) with the FCC. They were joined by Mrs. Viola Richardson (Lucas) who shared her perspective as a family member–but not a plaintiff– who was directly impacted.