Television/Video Appearances
Discussed the state of incarceration through a national lens for Maryland Public Television:
Collaborated with The Guardian in the creation of 6×9: A Virtual Experience of Solitary Confinement. The project is now available as a downloadable app to be used with Google Cardboard.
Dispelled myths about incarceration for Now This, an internet news outlet. Over 1.6 million views. See it here:
Described my experience of solitary confinement, as well as speaking out against the widespread use of extreme isolation in New York’s prisons and jails. The video was created by Assembly member Michaelle Solages.
Highlighted by Time Warner Cable for my advocacy work in Albany New York relating to Solitary Confinement:
Discussed Solitary Confinement in New York State and HALT on Capitol Tonight News:
Highlighted the plight of incarcerated people and their reentry challenges on Russia America.
Featured on Al Jazeera America for his educational journey and the importance of education for formerly incarcerated people reentering society.
Appeared in Breaking Down the Box, a documentary organized the National Religious Campaign Against Torture outlining the collateral consequences of solitary confinement and the need to eliminate the torture of isolation.
Shared experiences and insights for Black males committed to obtaining a college degree. The event was produced by Learning Gateway as part of their Real Men Graduate Initiative, and streamed live.
Discussed the effects of solitary confinement on mental illness on an International Criminal Justice Panel for the Unitarian Universalist Association held at the United Nations.
Discussed the cycle of incarceration with Nightline co-anchor Ju Ju Chang at the 2014 American Justice Summit held at John Jay School of Criminal Justice. See the interview:
Appeared on BK Live discussing the inhumane treatment of solitary confinement:
Talking Transition speech on the importance of higher education’s role for the formerly incarcerated, included propositions for New York Mayor-Elect Mr. DeBlasio & his transition team.
NY1 News feature on the state of solitary confinement on Rikers Island. See the segment here.
Awards
Awarded the Glenn Martin Advocate of The Year Award for my contributions to the advocacy community and working to eliminate the collateral consequences of having a criminal record. The award was granted by Citizens Against Recidivism, a non-profit organization which works to achieve the restoration of all the rights and attributes of citizenship among people in prison or jail.
Awarded the Recognize the Real Award for contributions to the community and furthering the rights of formerly incarcerated people. Go To: http://recognizethereal.info/
Awarded the 2014 & 2016 Victor Hassine Memorial Essay competition for a written essay on the transformative power of education. The Competition is held once a year by College Initiative, a community based organization that aids formerly incarcerated persons complete their education.
Featured News Articles
Highlighted for speaking on the power of discovering creative expression during incarceration. The event was held at Skidmore College, by the Post Star
Featured in a piece on the challenges presented by the collateral consequences of having a criminal record by USA Today.
Featured in an article by Nautilus magazine on how to survive solitary confinement and the importance of Grit.
Highlighted by Newsweek for convincing Robert De Niro to experience virtual Solitary at the Tribeca Film Festival.
Shared incarceration experience at Board of Correction hearing on limiting visitation.
shared the harsh realities of incarceration in an article compiled by Solitary Watch.
Educated the public on human violations on Rikers Island in the following article: Abuses at Rikers Island: Officials and Advocates Call for End to Solitary Confinement and Officer Violence
Highlighted in an article about teenage confinement at Rikers: http://www.wagingnonviolence.org/feature/beyond-reports-formerly-incarcerated-people-speak-rikers/
Internet Specific/ Op-Eds
Featured in a series of discussions on reentry and its collateral consequences facilitated by USA Today.
Authored an Opinion Editorial on the importance of investing in education over incarceration for USA Today.
Interviewed on a podcast for Meditation Freedom on the prison industrial complex and solitary confinement.
Featured on The Intercept in an article on racism in solitary confinement.
Authored a Letter to The Editor of the Wall Street Journal about the inconsistency in defining solitary confinement by the Department of Corrections:
Authored a Letter to The Editor of The New York Times about banning solitary for all people:
Authored a Letter to The Editor of The Washington Post outlining the importance of banning solitary for all people.
Authored an Op Ed for Ebony Magazine on the importance of providing pro-bono civil legal services for underserved populations.
Authored article on the importance of higher education and the transformative power of higher education for people with justice involvement for Crimcast.
Discussed problems with Urban Policing at St. Francis College, and presented possible solutions.
Featured on the Office of the Appellate Defender (OAD) website. A law firm specializing in criminal appeals. I was highlighted as a success story for their Social Work Program.
Appeared on the popular online news outlet the Gothamist highlighting the injustice surrounding Bradley Ballard’s homicide on Rikers Island.
Featured in a photo project raising awareness about Mass Incarceration for the CUNY School of Journalism. The photos were posted on the popular social media site Instagram.
Consulting
Consulted on a public service announcement for Human Pictures highlighting the many challenges former prisoners go through upon reentering society.
Consulted on a public service announcement for Documentarian Bill Moyers highlighting the many challenges former prisoners go through upon reentering society. http://rikersfilm.org/
Currently consulting for Vice News on a Docuseries the many challenges people face upon Reentry. The Series will be aired on HBO and is currently in production.
Felonies Are Forever 