Stories That Stay With Us | On Screen: Beyond

Experience an inspiring evening of film and conversation. Filmed with rare access inside Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Westchester, Beyond follows a group of incarcerated men as they prepare for a TED-style event, sharing deeply personal stories and bold ideas for transforming the prison system. The documentary captures their emotional journeys from first audition through their powerful moments on stage. Following the 89-minute screening, stay for a talkback with moderator Mikki Shaw and three formerly incarcerated speakers—Michael Tineo, Percy West, and Ismael Diaz Jr.—who will share their own experiences and reflect on the themes explored in the film. Their perspectives will offer a meaningful opportunity to continue the conversation about incarceration, reentry, and the potential for change. See the trailer. Admission: $10 Join us for a walking tour with Sing Sing Prison Museum (SSPM) along the Hudson and around the edges of Sing Sing Correctional Facility on Monday afternoon, October 26. Led by SSPM’s educators, the tour explores the building of the original 1825 cell block, the quarrying of Sing Sing marble, and the origins of US penal philosophy. Along the way, you’ll also learn about the labor that built this institution, the products developed here, and examples of reform and rehabilitation. The tour ends with a reflective art activity. Recommended for ages 12+. Tickets are $15 and registration is required. Choose one of two tours:

12:00 to 1:30 PM 2:00 to 3:30 PM

These programs are co-sponsored by the JCC Mid-Westchester and Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester. About the Speakers Ismael Diaz Jr. is an entrepreneur, advocate, and community leader whose journey from incarceration to college graduate, business owner, and changemaker reflects the power of second chances. A Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison and Mercy University honors graduate, and a Hudson Link Board Member, he uses his lived experience to create opportunities for others. As a lead advocate for New York’s successful Clean Slate Act, Ismael now travels throughout New York State educating communities, organizations, and directly impacted individuals about the law and its impact. Today, as a community organizer with the Center for Community Alternatives (CCA), he advances criminal justice reform through the Communities Not Cages campaign, including advocacy for the Earned Time Act and the Second Look Act. Ismael regularly returns to correctional facilities to share legislative updates, gather feedback from incarcerated individuals, and remind them that transformation is possible. Dedicated to amplifying the voices of those who are afraid to speak and those who cannot speak for themselves, he is committed to proving that education, opportunity, and hope can change lives and strengthen communities. Since joining the Center for Justice, Mujahideen has been researching the Second Look Act, a bill being proposed in the New York State legislature that would permit resentencing opportunities for people serving lengthy prison sentences. He co-authored the report “Ending Endless Punishment,” as well as the last chapter of The Real Pain of Punishment by Dr. Federica Coppola. Mujahideen is committed to changing the narrative about incarcerated people and expanding pathways to release those who are serving excessive prison sentences. Michael Tineo is an educator, entrepreneur, mentor, and speaker whose work focuses on personal transformation, ethical leadership, and the power of education to reshape lives and communities. Through decades of lived experience and disciplined study, he has developed a framework centered on self-mastery, accountability, and resilience. While incarcerated, Michael committed himself to rigorous academic and spiritual development. He earned both an MA in Professional Studies from New York Theological Seminary and a BS in Behavioral Science from Mercy University, graduating summa cum laude from both programs. Within the correctional setting, he has served as a mentor, educator, and spiritual leader, helping others develop tools for reflection, conflict resolution, and growth. Today, Michael speaks about leadership, rehabilitation, and the transformative potential within everyone, both the free and the incarcerated. Percy West, a dedicated advocate and community leader, currently serves as the internship coordinator for CAMBA/Project Restore Brownsville, where he facilitates impactful, community-based work with young Black and Brown participants. In addition to his work with Project Restore Brownsville, he serves as the vice president of Operations for the Pillars of Promise, a peer services organization, and as the associate executive director of the Crisis Management System (CMS) organization, Tailor Made for a King (TMK). Following 33 years of incarceration, he has committed his life since his release 20 months ago to systemic change and community support. He is an active volunteer and a member of the Advisory Counsil to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, focusing on prison reform and reentry initiatives. As a member of The Circles of Support, he is a frequent public speaker on the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on future outcomes. He is also a passionate advocate for the release of individuals who have been incarcerated for decades while demonstrating their change. A credentialed CASAC-T drug counselor, he is currently furthering his education at The New School for Trauma Informed Care via the Institute for Transformative Mentoring. He remains deeply committed to his mission, stating that he is “Just getting started”. “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight with no vision.” —Helen Keller About the Moderator Mikki Shaw has spent the last decade involved in prison education and creating transformative learning environments for incarcerated students. She teaches college English classes in Sing Sing Correctional Facility, and worked with several incarcerated men to establish a writing center. Rooted in her work is a firm belief that education plays a profound role in restoring dignity, fostering personal growth, and creating pathways to opportunity for those who are incarcerated. About the Series Stories That Stay With Us | On Screen is a film series dedicated to powerful, thought-provoking cinema rooted in real experiences. From personal narratives to broader social issues, each film highlights stories that resonate beyond the screen—sparking conversation, deepening understanding, and connecting our community through film. This program is eligible for the JCCMW Arts & Culture Passport.