We were proud to link with @katalcenter for: ‘Freedom Sounds’! A fundraiser for jail and prison reform, including shutting down Rikers. We had the icons @princesspeggie @saintlclair @ty_ushka@wavejumper_drex on the decks for this necessary cause.
Across the state – from Buffalo to New York City – jails and prisons are plagued by human rights crises, terrible conditions, gross mismanagement, extreme violence and routine constitutional violations. In New York City, the Rikers Island jail complex has a long and well-documented history of torture, abuse, violence, and a lack of safety for both incarcerated people and staff. State prisons are no different. The gruesome killings of Robert Brooks and Messiah Nantwi by correctional officers at Marcy and Mid-State Correctional Facilities is a recent stark and gut-wrenching example of the deadly and dangerous conditions incarcerated people face in New York state prisons.
This event will discuss ways members of the nightlife community can take action to increase oversight and accountability in jails and prisons across New York and shut down these deadly facilities. Participants will have the rare opportunity to listen to records created inside New York state prisons and hear the stories beyond them. This will also serve as a fundraiser to support the Katal Center's grassroots organizing efforts and their Shut Rikers campaign.
8-9 pm: Panel Discussion led by the Katal Center about the ongoing crisis in NY jails and prisons featuring people directly impacted and organizers.
9-10 pm: Josh MacPhee will play vinyl records produced in prisons and discuss the history of each of them. He's written two incredible books about political records: "Strike While the Needle Is Hot" and "An Encyclopedia of Political Record Labels."
10pm-4am: RAGGA NYC club night No one turned away for lack of funds at the door if cost is a barrier to attendance. However, donations of any amount are very appreciated!
