ESPN Films announced a partnership with Robin Roberts to produce a documentary featuring WNBA superstar-turned activist Maya Moore.
Moore’s story is fascinating – a WNBA MVP, who in 2019 decided to bypass the basketball season to focus on criminal justice reform, specifically calling for the release of Jonathan Irons, a man sentenced to 50 years in prison at the age of 16 in 1998. Earlier this summer on July 1, 2020, after it was deemed Irons was wrongfully convicted and unjustly imprisoned, his release was secured.
Adding to the documentary’s script, Moore and Irons appeared on Good Morning America this week announcing they fell in love while working to get the sentence overturned and have since married.
“I am so hopeful that this intimate look at our journey for justice will inspire all to believe that change & justice are possible,” Moore said in the press announcement. “The heart of this story is that when we see & value the people suffering around us we can start to become the community we know we were meant to be. I’m more convinced than ever that love & sacrifice will lead us to the win for humanity.”
What sets this story apart from most inspirational movies is that for Moore, there was no magic or luck in her efforts, only the decision to pursue and promote activism. Something anyone is capable of doing, but few have the strength of character to accomplish.
Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.
