Rap Against Rikers — Free Concert in Central Park

September 6 · Central Park

Join the movement.
Celebrate resilience.

Join Rap Against Rikers for a free, family-friendly afternoon of music, community, and action at Central Park’s Naumburg Bandshell.

Together, we’ll amplify the voices of formerly incarcerated people and their loved ones, support justice reform, and celebrate the strength of our communities.

Music, justice, and community

Our mission is to amplify voices of the formerly incarcerated and their loved ones, support justice reform, and build community.

A crowd gathered in front of a concert stage

Community

Bringing together artists, advocates, impacted families, and neighbors to listen, connect, and act.

An audience member listening with her eyes closed during a performance

Healing

Creating space for music, conversation, mindfulness, grounding, and collective hope.

A performer reaching toward members of the audience

Humanity

Affirming the dignity of every person and imagining a justice system rooted in care rather than harm.

Live in Central Park

Featured artists

More performers and special guests will be announced as they are confirmed.

Dyce Payso

Cyanide Trio

Ms Active Herself

NSC

Vera F. Kennedy

Red McFly

Loud Paq

Sapphire

Rose Savage

Dusty Locane

Masutax

Coach Roc

Dot Muli

Dr Hasshan Batts

Prada DotA

Jendog Lonewolf

Bully Swag

Foxy Rainwater & Skout

Cappaino

Blaze

BL Shirelle

Jayden

$haun Hublo

DJ Devious Taz

A tribute to our awardees

Unsung Heroes

Honoring people whose work, leadership, and commitment deserve recognition.

Peggy HerreraBishop Dr. Boyd Y. Singletary Ibrahim AyuJack Davis CandieWilliam Stanford Jr. (Mr. X) Jayette LansburyHelen ‘Skip’ Skipper Anisah Sabur-MuminStanley “Jamel” Bellamy

What to expect

Come for the music. Stay to connect, learn, recharge, and meet people working for change across New York City.

A crowd watching performers on an outdoor stage

Live performances

Local rappers, up-and-coming artists, DJs, and special guests.

Spoken word

Socially conscious poetry and performances rooted in lived experience.

A community speaker addressing an outdoor audience

Community stories

Hear from advocates, elected officials, and people directly affected by Rikers.

People taking part in a small outdoor group discussion

Justice conversations

Learn about active campaigns, recent victories, and work still ahead.

People gathered at a community food vendor

Food and giveaways

Food trucks, community tables, family activities, and event swag.

A peaceful outdoor mindfulness and sound-healing session

Grounding and healing

Mindfulness, sound bath, and grounding experiences throughout the day.

Community in action

Change doesn’t happen alone.

Rap Against Rikers brings together artists, advocates, legal organizations, community leaders, and people directly impacted by incarceration.

These are organizations the event is uplifting. Participation and on-site representation may vary as outreach is completed.

Why this matters

Issues we’re highlighting

Rap Against Rikers connects music and community with the urgent issues affecting people inside the jail system and those returning home.

End solitary confinement

Supporting efforts to enforce Local Law 42 and end harmful isolation practices.

Mental health and treatment

Calling for access to mental health care and substance-use disorder treatment.

Medical care and programming

Advocating for consistent programming, adequate care, food, and schooling.

Visiting and family connection

Addressing barriers involving access, transportation, and family visitation.

Legal access

Protecting access to courts, legal representation, and law-library resources.

Reentry and housing

Strengthening wraparound services, housing access, and support after incarceration.

Take part

Join the movement.

Attend the concert. Share the event. Connect with organizations doing the work. Help build a future rooted in dignity, care, and justice.

Donate on GoFundMe See the lineup Download flyers Participate or partner

Help spread the word

Download flyers

Print them, post them, or share them with your community.

Download the complete flyer pack

Event overview

Event information, mission, highlights, and ways to participate.

Download PDF

Preview sheet of Rap Against Rikers social flyers

Social flyer sheet

A collection of graphics for social media and digital sharing.