Check out highlights from our Black History Month celebrations at the Staten Island Justice Center!
At our Staten Island Justice Center, community members came together to share fresh food, get access to resources, and connect with their neighbors in honor of Black History Month.
The event specifically aimed to create a supportive space for people in New York City’s Supervised Release Program, which we operate in both Staten Island and Brooklyn. Supervised Release gives people awaiting trial a chance to stay in their communities and receive services for various needs while their court case is pending.
Community members, residents, and staff heard from guest speaker Jose Saldana—director of the Release Aging People in Prison Campaign—who survived 38 years of incarceration and now works as an advocate for people impacted by mass incarceration and excessive prison sentences.
Saldana was joined by Wess Crawford, an engagement specialist with our Staten Island Justice Center’s reentry services team who works with people returning from jail and prison to help them rebuild their lives and thrive.
Change starts in the mind first. After that, the body will follow.
— WESS CRAWFORD
Our Staten Island team also partnered up with a local barbershop to offer free haircuts for residents who stopped by.
Posters featuring the words and faces of prominent Black leaders and historical figures decorated the walls of the Justice Center as people helped themselves to free books, information about local community resources, and harm reduction supplies.
Our Staten Island Justice Center also hosted a day of connection, celebration, and dance for our staff to commemorate Black History Month and acknowledge our teams working to build community justice in Staten Island and beyond.