Beyond Bars: It’s a Movement, Not a Moment

This program is organized in collaboration with Philanthropy New York, Brave New Films, Galaxy Gives, and the Justice Reform Working Group.

The United States incarcerates more people than any other country in the world, with over 2.3 million people behind bars. The impact of America’s mass incarceration reverberates across children, families, and communities.

‘BEYOND BARS’ shines a bright light on the human cost of the carceral system in America. It forces us to confront the visceral realities through the eyes of those who’ve been most affected.

Chesa Boudin’s story is a prime example of how lived experience can fuel the fight for justice. Separated from his parents at a mere 14 months old due to incarceration, his life was irrevocably altered. Yet, that experience became the fire that empowered him to change the system, leading him to become San Francisco’s District Attorney.

Please join us for a screening of ‘BEYOND BARS’, followed by a critical panel discussion that delves into the film’s themes and explores the tranformative power of lived experience in building a future rooted in justice and equity.

What will you learn?

• The emotional and psychological trauma inflicted by carceral separation and its ripple effects on individuals, families, and communities and across generations.
• Restorative justice models and progressive policy solutions that prioritize rehabilitation and community healing over punishment.
• The power of storytelling in increasing awareness about the human cost of incarceration and influencing public policy.

Speakers

• Chesa Boudin, Executive Director of the Criminal Law & Justice Center, UC Berkeley School of Law
• Melanie Dominguez, Lead Organizer, Katal Center for Equity, Health & Justice
• Eric Gonzalez, District Attorney, The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office
• Roslyn “Roz” Smith, Beyond Incarceration Program Manager, V-Day
• Guisela Marroquín (Moderator), Senior Director of Programs, The New York Women’s Foundation

Who should attend?

All interested funders in criminal legal reform, public policy, and related roles. What to expect: a screening of BEYOND BARS followed by panel discussion and Q&A.