Community Panel - Facing Life
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Community Panel: Facing Life Pendarvis Harshaw, Lynn Noyes, Fahim Alqaadir, Brandon Tauszik, and Keith Wattley
Moderated by Adnan Kahn
After decades in prison, how does one reenter society? What adjustments are needed? How does life look and feel? What help do returning citizens receive? In 2018, Cell Signals' artists Pendarvis Harshaw and Brandon Tauszik set out across California to meet, picture and interview former-lifers. In recent years, reforms such as Prop 36, Prop 47, Prop 57, SB260, SB261 and SB1437 have led to the release of people who previously had little-to-no realistic shot at freedom.
This community discussion is anchored by the testimonies of Fahim Alqaadir and Lynn Noyes who each stepped out of prison in late 2018 after serving 31 years and 22 years, respectively. Both are subjects in Harshaw and Tauszik's project Facing Life. Alongside them, we heard from Keith Wattley, Founder and Executive Director of Uncommon Law (which worked on Noyes’ case for parole) as well as the artists themselves. The conversation was moderated by Adnan Khan, Executive Director of Restore Justice, who worked on drafting parts of SB1437 during his own incarceration.
Extra-ordinarily long sentencing laws are uniquely American. Their rigidity and cruelty are just one lens through which we can examine the prison industrial complex. Join us for a conversation that promotes the urgent stories of system-impacted individuals within context and analysis provided professions and advocates who’ve worked on the frontlines for years.
Fahim Alqaadir of Vallejo participates in a construction apprenticeship program so that he can gain access to the trade.
Good Jobs First
Initiate Justice
Our Revolution
Re: Store Justice
Root and Rebound - great local org that provides reentry support and free legal support for incarcerated folks and their families.
Student Press Law Center
UNAC
Uncommon Law
Veterans For Peace
Women Prisoners
Resources - As discussed and shared during our event
All Of Us Or None
California Coalition for Women Prisoners
Centre For Justice & Reconciliation
Civic Action
Code Pink
Color of Change
Critical Resistance - (founded in Oakland + LA) who wrote the book, the campaigns, the action-frameworks for abolition.
CURB - CURB is an excellent coalition focused on decarceration
and funding for youth and education.
Fahim Free Work Outs
Follow The Money
Support SF Camerawork
Becoming a member is the best to engage with our programs, stay informed of exciting new exhibitions and events, and be a part of our vibrant photography community. If you're already a member and would like to support us further, please consider donating.
