[Ct-nfb] NFB Protest

[Maryanne Melley]

Please read this important message from President Riccobono

Dear Colleagues:
 
As you know, The CW television network, which is affiliated with CBS, plans to launch a television series called In The Darkthat features a blind character who is not played by a blind actor.  We issued a strongstatement urging the cancellation of the series and reached out to all of the executives affiliated with the show. We have received a response but have yet to secure a meeting prior to the planned April 4debut. We now need to follow up with action. We cannot allow Hollywood to define us any longer.  
 
We plan to protest at one of the CBS facilities in New York City. Please reach out to the members in your area so that they can plan to attend the protest. It will be on April 2, 2019, in New York City from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. We will provide the exact address early next week. 
 
The blind belong at the center of our own stories, playing blind characters and taking our place on screen alongside our sighted colleagues. Together with love, hope, and determination, we transform dreams into reality with authentic casting.
 
As with any situation we are involved in, circumstances are changing constantly. I have written back to the executives and requested that we meet prior to April 2. If that meeting happens and if we feel that our perspective is sufficiently understood—including a clear plan for follow up—we may decide this action is not necessary. However, we should plan to be together in New York City on April 2until further notice. Please email Kyle Walls atkwalls at nfb.org if you intend to participate so we can coordinate details with you. When we know more we will put together a teleconference to share details with you.
 
Let’s raise our voice,
 
Mark A. Riccobono, President
200 East Wells Street, Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314 | Officeofthepresident at nfb.org
Twitter: @Riccobon

Maryanne Melley
President 
National Federation of
the Blind of Connecticut 
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