
Official Press Kit
O'DAY SHORT: An Act of Justice — Press Kit
An Act of Justice
"They Were Told To Leave. They Stayed."
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.
Press Contact
Lauren Douglas-Miller
Montage Media Production Company
lauren@montagemediausa.comContact Press TeamOfficial 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.