Echoes of Incarceration - Creatives Rebuild New York

A small group of people is gathered outside a building, filming a scene. A person with a camera films two individuals in conversation in the center, while another stands next to the camera operator. One person is holding a microphone, suggesting a professional setting. The group is casually dressed and appears to be engaged in the filming process. Sunlight casts shadows on the ground, and the building behind them is adorned with flyers and posters.

Filming in Queensbridge

Photo courtesy of Lashawn Marston

A group of people are gathered on a sidewalk in a vibrant urban setting. They seem engaged in a discussion or activity, with some individuals wearing casual clothing, including a red hoodie and blue capris. One person in a black shirt and pink sneakers stands by the green iron fence, which surrounds a lush garden. A mix of young adults and possibly teenagers are present, some taking photos or videos with their cameras or phones. The scene is set against the backdrop of a multi-story brick building with a tree providing partial shade. A street sign and a map are visible on the right-hand side, suggesting a metropolitan area.

Filming in Queensbridge

Photo courtesy of Lashawn Marston

A diverse group of people gathers in a room featuring a vibrant mural on one wall. The mural displays iconic figures, each representing a different aspect of social justice and activism, such as civil rights leaders and cultural icons. In the center of the mural is a raised fist, a symbol of unity and resistance. The gathering includes individuals standing and sitting, engaging in discussions. A man holds a boom microphone, indicating that the scene may be recorded or part of a documentary. The atmosphere combines elements of art, activism, and community interaction in an indoor setting.

Filming in Queensbridge

Photo courtesy of Echoes of Incarceration

Four individuals sit in a semi-circle in a room with large windows, each holding papers, suggesting involvement in a group discussion or study session. Two participants, one with dreadlocks wearing headphones and the other with curly blonde hair, are dressed in casual attire including a t-shirt, shorts, and red shoes. The environment appears relaxed, with chairs in a circle and various objects like a water bottle and electronic devices on a table nearby. The room is softly illuminated by daylight streaming through the windows, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Photo courtesy of Lashawn Marston

A woman wearing camouflage pants and a black top, equipped with headphones and holding a small audio mixer, is engaging in conversation with another person. This person is wearing a bright red hoodie, has long hair, and is turned away from the camera. Nearby, a crew member holds a boom microphone, suggesting an active film or video production. They are on a bustling street, with parked cars and trees lining the background, indicating a lively urban setting bathed in daylight.

Filming in Queensbridge

Photo courtesy of Echoes of Incarceration

The Collaboration

Echoes of Incarceration collaborated with artists Kharon Benson, Linda Ricard, and Lashawn Marston on documentary projects for and about youth impacted by the criminal justice system. Kharon and Linda created a series of short documentaries highlighting tools for mental health and wellness for young people, in addition to working with youth on wellness strategies like group journaling. Lashawn created narrative shorts by and about youth in the Queensbridge Houses, while also instituting wellness practices for young participants like meditation and breathwork.

The Organization

Echoes of Incarceration is an award-winning documentary initiative produced by youth who are directly impacted by the criminal justice system. The project provides hands-on video production and advocacy training for young adults, and creates documentaries and video journalism pieces told from the life experiences of the filmmakers themselves.

This collaboration allowed us to deepen our holistic wellness work in profound ways that would have otherwise been difficult or impossible. Jeremy Robins

Meditation and mindfulness are keys to enhancing any artistic performance. Lashawn Marston

Artists

Kharon Benson

Lashawn Marston

Linda Ricard

Location

Queens, NY

Communities Served

Criminal Legal System-involved

Immigrant

Youth