National Exhibition Venue Arnold and Sheila Aronson Galleries, Sheila C. Johnson Design Center

Public Dialogues and Events
| April 3 – April 24, 2016

An image from the series entitled Criminalize Brooklyn by documentary photographer Imani Tudor. Using rap lyrics as a way to decipher these images, Tudor sheds light on what it’s like to be persecuted as a young black person in this country. The lyrics on the picture, hand written by a child, signify the conditions in which young black men must grow up fast in order to survive, and the beginnings of the street hustle mentality. Credit: Chris Choi

A student displays a sticker from the #seerikers campaign. The stickers are designed to be placed on MTA maps to indeicate to commuters their proximity to Rikers Island. According to the campaign website, "To #SeeRikers is an attempt to identify a physical place as well as to activate a space of appearance where critical debates and conversations can unfold."

A museum visitor participates in the interactive portion of States of Incarceration at its national launch at The New School. Credit: Dasha Nagorodnyuk

Glenn Martin and Venida Browder, mother of Kalief Browder, in conversation at the States of Incerceration National Conference. Credit: Dasha Nagorodnyuk

Caption: Mass Story Lab is a participatory storytelling project designed by storyteller, educator, and cultural organizer, Piper Anderson. This video captures and commemorates the first ever Mass Story Lab in New York City.

“During my stay, 11 months 4 days, I discovered how easily the system corrupts people and at the end mental health is at an all time high. What to tell civilians working on Rikers that remain quiet?” — William E.

“I am a social worker who works to advocate for incarcerated people, formerly incarcerated people, and people returning to the community. It is a privilege to work with people who inspire me. I constantly fear that I represent and contribute to the systems of oppression.” — Participant at Mass Story Lab: Rikers