23 Oct Premiere of Port of the Future: Aboveboard

Posted at October 23, 2013 in Press Release by

MEDIA ADVISORY for immediate release

CONTACT: Roberta Avila, The Steps Coalition, 228-435-3113
Howard Page, Steps Coalition, 228-233-4734
Reilly Morse, Mississippi Center for Justice, 228-383-3348

Premiere of New Documentary Shows Failures of $600 Million Katrina Recovery Project

With Job Creation Falling Short, Film Tracks Wayward Course of Controversial Mississippi Port Restoration Project

WHAT: Premiere of Port of the Future: Aboveboard, a documentary presented by the Steps Coalition on community efforts to ensure that port restoration using disaster relief funds meets the jobs and environmental justice requirements imposed by law.

WHO: The Steps Coalition (www.stepscoalition.org)

WHEN: Thursday, October 24, 2013 Reception, 5:30pm Screening, 6:30pm

WHERE: Great Southern Club (top of Hancock Bank Building) 15th Floor, 2510 14th Street #1480, Gulfport, Miss.

BACKGROUND: The Steps Coalition will premiere Port of the Future: Aboveboard, a documentary film produced by Elaine Stevens and filmed by Francisco Gonzales on the restoration of the State Port at Gulfport, a controversial and costly economic development project. Aboveboard traces the evolution of a grassroots-led advocacy campaign that, over time, has brought about important changes in jobs, environmental justice, and community engagement in the largest single public infrastructure investment in Mississippi history. Through interviews with a wide range of voices from Governor Phil Bryant to local community activists, Aboveboard details the ways in which local voices are lifted up to ensure that the State met its promises to the Gulf Coast.

ABOUT THE STEPS COALITION The Steps Coalition is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization that brings together local allies working for a healthy, just, and equitable Mississippi Gulf Coast. The coalition aims to bolster a democratic movement by developing local leadership and supporting communities to advocate for their needs and by facilitating communication, coordination, and collaboration among its membership.

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