O'Day Short: An Act of Justice — film poster

Official Press Kit

O'DAY SHORT: An Act of Justice — Press Kit

An Act of Justice

"They Were Told To Leave. They Stayed."

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Film Information

Title

O'DAY SHORT: AN ACT OF JUSTICE

Format

Short Documentary

Runtime

25 Minutes

Genre

Documentary / Civil Rights / Historical

Country

United States

Language

English

Production Company

Montage Media Production Company

In Association With

Bricktown Entertainment

Executive Producers

E'Ian West George Sharperson Eugene Durham

Additional Creative Team

Reco Wright Jr.

Cinematography

Scott Toler Collins

Status

Completed

Release Year

2026

Logline

A powerful documentary examining the life, legacy, and tragic death of the O'Day Short family, whose pursuit of homeownership and equality in 1945 Fontana, California challenged racial segregation and left a lasting impact on civil rights history.

Short Synopsis

In 1945, O'Day Short purchased land and built a home in Fontana, California despite racial barriers that sought to prevent African Americans from living south of Baseline Avenue. After receiving threats and intimidation, the Short family refused to leave.

Their home was later consumed by a devastating fire that claimed the lives of O'Day Short, his wife Helen, and their two children.

Eighty years later, O'Day Short: An Act of Justice revisits this largely forgotten chapter of California history, exploring the family's courage, the community's response, and the ongoing effort to preserve their legacy for future generations.

Extended Synopsis

O'Day Short: An Act of Justice tells the story of one family's determination to pursue the American Dream despite systemic racism and social exclusion.

Through historical accounts, community voices, educators, historians, and contemporary perspectives, the documentary examines the events surrounding the 1945 tragedy that took the lives of the O'Day Short family after they moved into a neighborhood where African Americans were unwelcome.

The film also chronicles the modern movement to preserve their legacy, including educational initiatives, public recognition, and the renaming of O'Day Short Elementary School in Fontana, California.

At its core, the film asks how communities remember difficult histories and why preserving those stories remains essential to understanding justice, equality, and progress.

Director's Statement

The story of O'Day Short is not simply a historical story. It is a human story.

As filmmakers, we were drawn to the courage demonstrated by a family that refused to surrender their right to live where they chose. Their determination, resilience, and sacrifice deserve to be remembered.

This documentary seeks to preserve an important chapter of California history while creating meaningful conversations about justice, community, and remembrance. We hope audiences leave the film with a greater understanding of the past and a deeper appreciation for the importance of protecting historical truth.

Sincerely,

E'Ian West

Executive Producer

O'DAY SHORT: AN ACT OF JUSTICE — Montage Media Production Company

Why This Story Matters

The O'Day Short family story is one of courage, perseverance, and the pursuit of equality in the face of discrimination.

At a time when African Americans faced barriers to housing and opportunity, O'Day Short challenged those boundaries by purchasing property and building a home for his family. The tragic events that followed became one of the most significant yet overlooked civil rights stories in California history.

Today, their story serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving history, confronting injustice, and ensuring that future generations understand the sacrifices made in the pursuit of equal rights.

About E'Ian West

Executive Producer

E'Ian West is an award-winning producer, director, writer, entrepreneur, and television executive based in Los Angeles, California.

West is the recipient of a Congressional Certificate of Excellence in Entrepreneurship and has also been recognized by the City of Los Angeles for Outstanding Achievement in Production, Storytelling, and Media Excellence. He has received additional industry recognition for his contributions to entertainment, entrepreneurship, and content creation.

He is a member of the Television Academy, a judge for the 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, a member of Forbes Business Council, and serves as Group Leader for Film & Television & Production. In 2025, he was recognized as the Best New Group Leader in Film & Television & Production for his leadership and contributions within the organization.

His work spans documentary, scripted, unscripted, and digital media projects. As a producer, West has developed and produced projects that focus on social impact, education, human rights, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation.

His producing credits include the Emmy-winning series The Bay, as well as the award-winning documentaries Dreamers and Reformed. Through his production company, Montage Media Production Company, West continues to create content that informs, inspires, and engages audiences while elevating important stories that deserve broader recognition.

As Executive Producer of O'DAY SHORT: AN ACT OF JUSTICE, West continues his commitment to preserving significant historical narratives, creating meaningful public dialogue, and using storytelling as a tool for education, awareness, and social impact.

About George Sharperson

Executive Producer

George Sharperson is an award-winning producer and veteran actor with more than twenty years of experience across network television, streaming platforms, film, and commercial productions.

Throughout his acting career, Sharperson has appeared in numerous acclaimed television series, including the Emmy Award-winning ABC comedy Abbott Elementary, CBS's United States of Al, Netflix's The Lincoln Lawyer, and OWN Network's Cherish the Day.

His extensive experience in front of the camera provides a unique perspective that he brings to every project as a producer and storyteller.

As a producer, Sharperson is committed to developing meaningful content that highlights important social issues, untold histories, and human-centered stories. His work focuses on projects that inspire conversation, preserve cultural legacy, and create lasting impact within communities.

For O'DAY SHORT: AN ACT OF JUSTICE, Sharperson serves as Executive Producer, helping bring to life the powerful story of the O'Day Short family and their enduring place in California civil rights history.

About Eugene Durham

Executive Producer

Eugene Durham is an award-winning Executive Producer and Writer with nearly a decade of filmmaking experience. A native of Los Angeles, Durham discovered his passion for production and cinema shortly after graduating from California State University, Northridge in 2013.

His work includes the acclaimed short film Shaded, winner of both The Southern Shorts Awards and The Massachusetts Independent Film Festival in 2022. Additional producing and writing credits include Triggered, Love in LA, and All About Jaden.

Known for his commitment to compelling storytelling and character-driven narratives, Durham has built a reputation for developing projects that blend entertainment with meaningful themes and authentic voices.

He currently serves as the in-house Producer for Montage Media Production Company and The Brella Streaming Network, where he oversees content development, production operations, and original programming initiatives.

As Executive Producer of O'DAY SHORT: AN ACT OF JUSTICE, Durham contributes his experience in storytelling, production management, and creative development to help bring the powerful legacy of the O'Day Short family to audiences worldwide.

About Reco Wright Jr.

Producer

Reco Wright Jr., born in Inglewood, California, is a filmmaker, creative visionary, and community advocate whose work embodies resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to storytelling.

Growing up in a culturally rich environment, Wright developed an early appreciation for the arts and a passion for storytelling that would ultimately shape his career. With a natural talent for visual storytelling, he pursued filmmaking with determination, developing expertise in cinematography, narrative development, and creative production.

His work reflects a unique blend of artistic expression and social commentary, frequently exploring themes of identity, belonging, resilience, and the human experience. Through compelling visuals and authentic narratives, Wright creates projects that resonate with audiences while encouraging meaningful reflection and dialogue.

Beyond his creative accomplishments, Wright is a dedicated advocate for social justice and equality. He actively engages with communities, using storytelling as a platform to amplify underrepresented voices and foster conversations around issues that impact society.

As a filmmaker, cultural ambassador, and creative leader, Reco Wright Jr. continues to make a lasting impact both within the entertainment industry and throughout the communities he serves. His work challenges audiences to think deeply, connect authentically, and embrace the transformative power of storytelling.

For O'DAY SHORT: AN ACT OF JUSTICE, Wright contributes his creative vision and passion for socially impactful storytelling, helping bring an important chapter of American history to contemporary audiences while honoring the legacy of the O'Day Short family.

Community Impact

O'Day Short: An Act of Justice has become part of a broader effort to preserve and elevate awareness surrounding the O'Day Short family's legacy.

The film supports educational outreach, historical preservation efforts, community dialogue, and public engagement around one of California's most important civil rights stories.

The documentary is designed to serve as both a historical record and an educational resource for schools, universities, museums, civic organizations, and community groups.

Key Themes

01

Civil Rights

02

Social Justice

03

Housing Discrimination

04

California History

05

Community Legacy

06

Historical Preservation

07

Education

08

Race Relations

09

Equality

10

Remembrance

Educational Screenings

O'Day Short: An Act of Justice is available for universities, colleges, school districts, historical societies, museums, libraries, community organizations, cultural institutions, civil rights organizations, government agencies, and special events.

Request Educational Screening

Press Contact

Lauren Douglas-Miller

Montage Media Production Company

lauren@montagemediausa.comContact Press Team

Screening Requests

Lauren Douglas-Miller

lauren@montagemediausa.comRequest Screening

Official Film Credits

O'DAY SHORT: AN ACT OF JUSTICE

Executive Producers

E'Ian West George Sharperson Eugene Durham

Produced By

Montage Media Production Company

In Association With

Bricktown Entertainment

Creative Team

Reco Wright Jr.

Cinematography

Scott Toler Collins

© 2026 Montage Media Production Company. All Rights Reserved.