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Join us for an intimate evening of storytelling, conversation, and community featuring two original short stories written and shared by formerly incarcerated men. Their stories move through childhood, family, violence, incarceration, Rikers Island, survival, institutional power, freedom, and the complicated experience of building a life after it all.

This isn’t a panel or a lecture about incarceration. It’s an opportunity to hear directly from people who have lived through systems that are so often discussed, studied, funded, and interpreted by everyone except the people who experienced them. As one of the writers says, “For all the institutions that capitalized from us…” this evening creates space for them to tell their own stories, in their own voices, and on their own terms.

There will be two readings followed by a conversation and time to connect with one another. Some of what you’ll hear is heavy, some of it is funny, some of it may be uncomfortable, and all of it comes from people who have something worth saying about survival, incarceration, family, community, and what happens after you come home.

Most importantly, this is meant to feel like a room you can actually be in. Come listen, talk, meet people, support the work, and kick it with us. As the brothers put it themselves, “Relax, we got plenty for you to see.”

Hosted in Partnership with Rooted in the Work 

Rooted in the Work is an organization working at the intersection of prison education, storytelling, and lived experience. Founded by Vidya Dwarakanath, author of We Survived Rikers Island, RTW brings together people directly impacted by incarceration, educators, artists, and communities to create conversations and experiences rooted in what people have actually lived. Through storytelling, events, workshops, and consulting, Rooted in the Work brings lived experience into rooms where people can listen, question, create, connect, and imagine what should exist next.

Angel Santana is a writer, performer, and facilitator whose work is grounded in the power of storytelling and human connection. A compelling communicator with a commanding presence, Angel creates space for reflection, dialogue, and meaningful engagement. Across his creative and community-based work, he brings an ability to focus a room around the ideas and experiences that deserve its attention.

Tony Acevedo is an educator and storyteller who brings warmth, humor, and humanity to his work. His approach reflects a belief that meaningful learning and serious conversation can coexist with joy, curiosity, and genuine connection. Through education, writing, and dialogue, Tony creates environments where people can engage difficult subjects while remaining connected to one another.

Christian Gonzalez is an entrepreneur, creative, and community builder with a collaborative approach to leadership. His interests span entrepreneurship, culture, and creative expression, and he brings a natural ability to connect people and strengthen the relationships around him. Thoughtful and grounded, Christian’s work reflects a belief in creating environments where people feel supported, valued, and able to contribute.

The Bureau of General Services—Queer Division is Manhattan’s only queer bookstore, located on the second floor of the LGBT Center. We’re open Tuesday-Sunday from 1-7pm and accessible by the 6th Ave 1 2 3 L trains and 8th Ave A C E trains. Our cafe, The Bureau Cafe, is open Tuesday-Sunday from 9am-7pm.