Some of the most powerful changes in our society come from ordinary people who refuse to accept injustice. Martha Wright-Reed was one such person—a grandmother whose fight against expensive prison phone calls changed America forever. Her journey is a testament to the power of individual action and the incredible impact one determined person can have on countless lives.
Martha’s story began not with grand ambitions for reform, but with a simple desire to stay connected with her incarcerated grandson. What started as a personal struggle against unfair phone rates became a nationwide movement that would ultimately reshape how families communicate with their incarcerated loved ones across the country.
The Story of Martha Wright-Reed
Martha Wright-Reed’s journey began when her grandson was incarcerated far from her home in Washington D.C. The Lorton Correctional Facility in Virginia, where he was initially held, was closed, and he was transferred to a facility in Arizona, over 2,000 miles away. As a blind elderly woman, Martha couldn’t write letters or travel for visits, so phone calls were her only way to stay connected. However, these calls came with a hefty price tag—hundreds of dollars each month.
Taking Action: The Lawsuit
In 2000, Martha became the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit against the Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), which had exclusive contracts with several telephone companies, including Global Tel Link and Securus. These companies were charging exorbitant rates for prison phone calls, exploiting families like Martha’s. The lawsuit aimed to challenge these excessive fees and bring about reform.
The Impact of Her Fight
Martha’s persistence and determination led to significant changes in the way prison phone calls are regulated. Here are some key milestones:
FCC Involvement:
The case was eventually referred to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which began to address the issue of high prison phone call rates.
Rate Caps:
In 2013, the FCC capped interstate prison phone call rates at 21 cents per minute, significantly reducing costs for families.
The Martha-Wright Reed Act:
This legislation, passed in 2022, empowers the FCC to regulate both in-state and out-of-state prison phone calls, ensuring fairer rates for all families.
Why It Matters: Rehabilitation and Reentry
Martha understood that communication is not a luxury but a necessity for rehabilitation and successful reentry. When families can stay connected, it helps maintain emotional support and stability, which are crucial for those incarcerated. Here’s why this matters:
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Emotional Support: Regular communication helps reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a healthier mental state for both the incarcerated person and their family.
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Rehabilitation: Staying connected with loved ones can motivate individuals to participate in rehabilitation programs, knowing they have support outside.
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Reentry Success: Maintaining family ties increases the chances of successful reentry into society, as individuals have a support network to rely on.
The Gender Justice Aspect
Martha’s fight also highlighted how predatory prison phone rates disproportionately affect women. Many women, like Martha, are the primary caregivers and often bear the financial burden of staying in touch with incarcerated loved ones. This issue is deeply intertwined with gender justice, as it impacts women’s economic stability and emotional well-being.
The Legacy of Martha Wright-Reed
Though Martha passed away in 2015, her legacy continues to inspire change. The Martha Wright-Reed Act is a testament to her unwavering dedication to justice. Her story shows us that ordinary people can create extraordinary change when they refuse to accept injustice.
What You Can Do
If you’re inspired by Martha’s story and want to contribute to the ongoing fight for prison phone justice, here are some steps you can take:
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest developments in prison phone reform and the impact of the Martha Wright-Reed Act.
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Support Advocacy Groups: Organizations likeColor of Change and MediaJustice are working tirelessly to ensure fair communication costs for incarcerated individuals and their families.
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Contact Your Representatives: Encourage your local and national representatives to support legislation that promotes affordable prison communication services.
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Share Martha’s Story: Spread awareness about the importance of affordable prison phone calls and the impact it has on families.
Conclusion
Martha Wright-Reed’s story is a powerful reminder that individual actions can lead to significant societal changes. By standing up against injustice and advocating for fair communication costs, Martha has helped countless families stay connected during difficult times. Let’s continue her legacy by supporting efforts to ensure that no family has to choose between staying in touch with their loved ones and making ends meet.
Take Action Today:
Share Martha’s inspiring story with your friends and family, and consider supporting organizations working towards prison phone justice. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that communication remains a right, not a luxury.
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