Our 2nd annual event, Beyond the Block: Voices from Sing Sing, took place on April 5th. It was a remarkable showcase of the artistic talents displayed by our students at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. By utilizing their literary, musical, and intellectual talents, they effectively communicated their knowledgeable perspectives to a wider audience.
The event, co-hosted by Bryonn Bain and Christopher Carpenter, was meticulously organized and executed. The audience was delighted by the mesmerizing musical performances from John Forte, Ralph Cunningham, Kenyatta Emmanuel, James “More” Torres, Xiao Bao He, Ryan Lawerence, Daniel Betancourt, and Carnegie Hall’s Paul Cortez with his powerful rendition of “A Voice to the Voiceless.”
During the program, Co-Producer Michael Tineo engaged in a thoughtful conversation with Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Daniel F. Martuscello III, discussing the future of Higher Education in Prison programs and the current landscape within New York State prisons.
The overarching idea that emerged from the talks and poems is the triumph over hardship. Audiences were moved to tears by the performances, including “Earning My Wings” by Chris Smith and “Hope” by Robert Clegg. Similarly, other lectures addressed mental health, coping mechanisms, and the effects of relational awareness on children impacted by the criminal justice system.
As we concluded this eventful day, the audience stood with an ovation for the Voices from Sing Sing and the other featured performers throughout the program. Through initiatives such as Beyond the Block, we address the misconceptions surrounding incarcerated individuals and offer a platform for the global community to recognize the limitless potential shown by the men behind the wall.
Missed the event? Craving more Beyond the Block? View our event gallery here.
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