Past Event: April 25, 2019 — 6–9 pm
CUNY School of Law
2 Court Square
Long Island City, NY 11101
Join The Intercept and CUNY School of Law for an engaging discussion of the use of gang prosecutions in the mass criminalization of communities of color as we report on the largest “gang takedown” in New York City history. In recent years, large raids of gangs and crews in New York City — accompanied by intensive and often uncritical media coverage — have led to mass prosecutions of New Yorkers under serious conspiracy charges. At this event, commemorating the third anniversary of the “Bronx 120” raid, which led to the indictment of 120 people, we will discuss what happened after the arrests, with particular attention to legal ramifications and community impact.
The evening will feature the first public screening of the short documentary “Trouble Finds You,” about a young man caught up in the case. Kraig Lewis, the film’s protagonist, and Stephanie Tangkilisan, the filmmaker, will participate in a panel discussion, as will Babe Howell and Priscilla Bustamante, authors of a forthcoming report about the “Bronx 120” prosecution, whose findings will be introduced at the event. Community organizers Afrika Owes, Vidal Guzman, and Taylonn Murphy Sr will also share their experiences working with over-policed communities in New York. Alice Speri, a criminal justice reporter at The Intercept, will moderate the discussion.
Please note: This event is free, but RSVP is required to attend.
Featuring:
Afrika Owes (community organizer)
Babe Howell (professor, CUNY School of Law)
Priscilla Bustamante (The Graduate Center, CUNY)
Stephanie Tangkilisan (director, Trouble Finds You)
Kraig Lewis (Bronx 120 member)
Vidal Guzman (community organizer, JustLeadership USA)
Taylonn Murphy Sr (community organizer, credible messenger)
Alice Speri (The Intercept)
Sponsored by:
CUNY School of Law
The Intercept
The Legal Aid Society
The Policing and Social Justice Project at Brooklyn College
JustLeadership USA
Justice for Families
Justice Strategies
The Bronx Defenders
El Grito
with funding from Vital Projects Fund