My screenplay "Homestead" builds momentum with Best Period Screenplay award at recent New Hope Film Festival.

"Homestead" is the story of two families. James witnesses his coal miner father dying after a severe beating by anti-union thugs. Bitter, the boy runs away and starts a new life. As a steelworker, he has his own battles with Pinkertons and scabs, who are under orders: destroy the union. A fiery battle leaves countless injured and dead but James learns there is more than revenge. Recently, this screenplay was selected as Best Period Screenplay at the New Hope Film Festival! And, thanks, ReelHeART for the live read and award last year!

When I confront prejudice, I ask people to imagine themselves as a person of color for one day.  Visualize that life.  Of course, I've not experienced being black firsthand, but I'm observant enough to notice side glances, frowns, curiosity and yes - even fear - when I'm with a young man who has become sort of a nephew to me.  He enters a restaurant first. I'm taking some photos outdoors and enter maybe a minute later.  As I approach the restaurant check-in, there are looks in his direction by other customers and staff.  Implication? Why are you here?  I go over to him and the obsequiousness begins.  Later we're walking in a place filled with tourists.  Always the shutterbug, I'm pausing to snap, then scurry to catch up. Slight movements away from him, some suspicious glances, and subtle rudeness surround him.  Not me.  That is white privilege and I am viscerally aware of it.   Imagine that your life is like that. Profoundly unfair and damaging?  Yes.