Arts Justice Safety Coalition

08/26/2026

Crafting Gratitude Workshop: A Two-Part Wellness Series
Join us for an intergenerational workshop series exploring the many ways we experience and express gratitude — through conversation, craft, creative writing, and the meditative art of ikebana. This event is a collaboration between The Confined Arts Program by Another Choice NYC & Harlem Strong Project at The Center of Innovation in Mental Health.

Register here: craftinggratitude.eventbrite.com

This event will be photographed and recorded. Entering the event space means you give permission for your likeness to be used for promotional and archival purposes.

Accessibility Notice:
This event will take place in the Lower Level Fellowship Hall at Mount Zion A.M.E. Church, located one flight downstairs. Please note that there is no elevator access to the lower level. We want attendees to be aware of this when planning their visit.

Session 1: Cardmaking
September 19th | 2PM–5 PM
📍Mount Zion A.M.E. Church (1765 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10029)

We'll open with a grounding movement session before diving into a group discussion on what gratitude means to us, how we show it, and what can make it hard to express. Participants will then create personalized cards using collage and creative writing to express gratitude toward someone or something meaningful in their lives. No experience necessary — all materials and inspiration provided!

Session 2: Flower Arrangement with Ikebana
September 26th | 2PM–5PM
📍Mount Zion A.M.E. Church (1765 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10029)

Building on our first session, we'll explore gratitude through the lens of nature and introduce participants to Ikebana, the meditative Japanese art of floral arrangement centered on balance, mindfulness, and inner peace. Using origami and craft techniques, participants will design their own gratitude-inspired arrangements to take home.

Who's it for? Everyone! This workshop is designed for participants of all ages and backgrounds.

Price: Suggested donations: $0, $5, $10

What you'll explore: Self-reflection, empathy, and community connection through hands-on creativity — no artistic experience required.

Led by: Teaching Artists Diomenne Diakite, Nikhila Kanneganti, and Spencer Washington

Come for one session or both — each is a standalone experience, and together they form a full journey through the many meanings of gratitude.

08/20/2026

Letters on Lockdown
by Wallace "Shubaka" Kirby | August 4, 2026

The following piece, written by Wallace “Shubaka” Kirby, won third place in the inaugural Voices Beyond the Walls writing contest, presented by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture’s National Network of Solitary Survivors in collaboration with Solitary Watch. The first place winner ...

08/20/2026

The Room That Tried to Unmake Me
by Cinquan Umar Muhammad | July 31, 2026

The second-place winner of the Voices Beyond the Walls writing contest describes how he struggles not to let solitary confinement defeat him.

08/20/2026

Life Outside the Walls
by Sherren Moore | July 21, 2026

One woman's eloquent meditation on what it means to have a partner in prison.

08/03/2026

Open Streets 2026 is back! Join us at East Harlem for free family fun! Children can enjoy games and activities, while teens and adults connect with free community resources, health services, and career opportunities.

08/03/2026

This summer, our Community Service Learning Initiative is giving young people the opportunity to build professional skills while making a meaningful impact in the East Harlem community. Through workshops, field trips, community service, leadership development, and hands on learning, participants are developing the confidence, knowledge, and experience needed to prepare for college, careers, and community leadership.

We are proud of the dedication our young people continue to demonstrate each week. Their commitment to learning, serving, and growing reminds us that investing in youth is one of the greatest investments we can make in our communities.

08/03/2026

Another amazing Friday at East Harlem Open Streets was filled with smiles, family fun, new friendships, and neighbors enjoying public space together. From children’s activities and games to community conversations and food, it was another reminder of what happens when we invest in our neighborhoods and create spaces where everyone belongs.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us. Your energy is what makes Open Streets so special.

If weather permitting we can’t wait to see you again next Friday for another day of free activities, community resources, and fun for the whole family! At 115 East between Madison & Park Ave.

08/03/2026

Open Streets is bringing health, wellness, and fun to East Harlem! Join us every Friday for free activities, fitness, games, arts, and opportunities.