[MD-AtLarge] Need Help - Protest on April 2

[president at nfbmd.org]

Fellow Federationists,

On Tuesday, April 2, 2019, the National Federation of the Blind will be
holding a protest in New York concerning the use of sighted actors to
portray blind characters in the entertainment industry.  The Maryland
affiliate will be participating in the protest, and we need to know who will
be able to attend. We will be providing transportation and leaving from the
National Center in Baltimore at 5:30AM and returning at about 6:00PM.  If
you are able to attend, please let me know off-line by email at
President at nfbmd.org <mailto:President at nfbmd.org>  or by calling 443-426-4110
by the end of the day Tuesday, March 26, 2019.

 

As you know, The CW television network, which is affiliated with CBS, plans
to launch a television series called In The Dark that features a blind
character who is not played by a blind actor.  We issued a strong statement
<https://nfb.org/about-us/press-room/blind-americans-protest-refusal-enterta
inment-industry-cast-them>  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 4 debut. We now need to follow up with action. We cannot allow
Hollywood to define us any longer.  

 

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.

 

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

 

Yours,

Ronza

 

 

Ronza Othman, President

National Federation of the Blind of Maryland

443-426-4110

 

The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland knows that blindness is not
the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the
expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles
between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want;
blindness is not what holds you back.

 

 

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