This is a kick-off event that marks the beginning of a series of events geared towards amplifying and celebrating the community of activists who are actively raising awareness, and inciting action toward decarceration. There will be featured performances including a performance of an excerpt from La Paloma Prisoner, Colombian musicians and Colombian food!

Community participants include:

Dr. Vanda Seward, Cuny Criminal Justice Department at CUNY Kingsborough

Dr. Baz Dreisinger, Author of Incarcerated Nations: A Journey to Justice in Prisons Around the World and Executive Director of the Incarcerated Nations Network

Pamela Villa, Director of Development- Bronx Connect and Bloomberg Fellow

Robert Pollack, Pen America – Prison Writing Program Manager

Laila Mahler, Dean of Student and Alumni Affairs, Columbia University

Julia Shaw, LMSW Director, Criminalized Survivors Program STEPS to End Family Violence, a program of Rising Ground- City, Lore Organization