MASS EFFECTS is our new film series examining how mass incarceration has adversely affected the Black community in Brooklyn. We conceived of this series to bring needed attention to criminal justice reform and how mass incarceration affects not just those who are jailed, but how the Black family is affected psychologically and socio-economically, as well as their community.
The films are important, the conversations after even more so.
Join us for a post-screening community discussion with community activist Cadeem Gibbs and psychologist Dr. Anica Mulzac below.
Mass Effects begins with:
RETURNING CITIZENS
“Returning Citizens” focuses on a passionate group of individuals who are looking for a second chance – or perhaps a chance they never had to begin with. Taking place in Southeast Washington, DC, the film offers a humanizing perspective on a community that has been negatively impacted by mass incarceration. From freshly returning individuals struggling to rebuild their lives, to community leaders working to end the on-going cycle of crime and violence, the stories unveiled in “Returning Citizens” offer proof that change is possible when the right opportunities are presented.
RSVP for free HERE
Mass Effects features a panel of criminal justice experts, psychologists, and victims, following each screening, including:
Dr. Anica Camela Mulzac has first-hand knowledge and awareness of the importance and complexities of matters related to Race + Diversity. A Licensed Clinical Psychologist with expertise in human behavior and group dynamics, Dr. Anica has garnered over 10 years of clinical and research experience with numerous individuals, groups, and organizations exploring and addressing the impact of diversity factors on academic, personal, and professional experiences.
Cadeem Gibbs employs the philosophy that the voices of those most impacted by an issue should be not only incorporated into the legislative and community healing and building processes, but leading the movements towards these changes, as they are the true experts.
Cadeem has worked passionately in youth and leadership development, organizing, advocacy, facilitation, and case management for organizations, such as the Children's Defense Fund, the New York City Administration of Children’s Services, the Center for Court Innovation, and Raise The Age-NY. Cadeem has been featured in many print media like the Nation Magazine, Vice, and the Times Union, and multimedia platforms like the film by Emmy Award winning journalist Bill Moyers, RIKERS: An American Jail. Cadeem has been a guest speaker at institutions such as Duke University, Yale University, Seton Hall University School of Law, Columbia University, Spelman College, Emory University, Wesleyan University, and Fordham University.
Growing up in Harlem, NY, and being adversely impacted by an environment where violence, gang activity, drug abuse and overall poverty and poor conditions were prevalent, Cadeem has navigated poverty, child welfare, homelessness, and incarceration. Cadeem continues to build a platform and use his voice and story to inform meaningful change, engage communities, and inspire others, and serve as a mentor to many troubled youth in his neighborhood.
Mass Effects is sponsored, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, and by contributions from community members, like you.
The Luminal Theater is a sponsored organization of the New York Foundation for the Arts. NYFA is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization founded in 1971 to work with the arts community throughout New York State and the United States to develop and facilitate programs in all disciplines.