Bryonn Bain, a multi-talented individual who excels in various fields like as acting, writing, activism, music, poetry, and teaching, will be honored with the prestigious Bill Webber Award during our Spring Benefit on May 8th, 2024. This accolade is awarded to is awarded annually to an individual or organization that use their social influence to positively impact communities affected by mass incarceration or the criminal justice system. Bain has been instrumental in promoting financial literacy, championing education, and implementing prison reforms in disadvantaged communities across the nation.
Brooklyn-based hip-hop theater creator Bryonn Bain is a spoken word poetry champion, jail activist, actor, author, and educator who, as Cornel West stated, “speaks his truth with a power we desperately need to hear.” As the previous keynote speaker at our Green Haven graduation and co-host of Beyond the Block, Bryonn is no stranger to Hudson Link. In addition to his impressive list of performances at renowned venues such as the Apollo Theater, Carnegie Hall, and the National Black Theatre in Harlem, his reach extends beyond the United States, captivating audiences worldwide.
His one-man multimedia production, Lyrics From Lockdown – executive produced by Harry Belafonte – tells the story of Bain’s wrongful imprisonment through hip hop theater, spoken word poetry, calypso and classical music, as well as lyrics and letters exchanged with fellow poet and friend, Nanon Williams. Sentenced to Death Row at 17, and after more than 25 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit, a federal judge finally ordered Nanon’s release in November 2010 — one year after the NYC premiere of Bain’s production at The Public Theater. Developed in prisons, public schools and universities nationwide, the show has received extraordinary reviews, sold out on three continents with standing ovations in Europe, Asia and Africa.
Bryonn is the epitome of talent, class, and selfless service, and it is an honor is to award him with the 2024 Bill Webber Award. Join us in honoring Bryonn by sponsoring or purchasing tickets to this year’s Spring Benefit (www.hudsonlinkgala.org) and stay tuned for upcoming announcements and updates.
Awesome ❤️❤️❤️