August 30, 2026 | National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

About the film

We Grew Up: Kids in Adult Prisons centers the voices of those who lived that reality, giving them space to share—in their own words—what it meant to enter the adult system as children, grow up behind bars, and carry those experiences forward.

Children’s Law Center invites the Greater Cincinnati community members to a special opportunity to experience the documentary’s first Cincinnati community screening and join a deeper conversation about young people, justice, and the systems that shape their lives.

Since its release, We Grew Up: Kids in Adult Prisons has been selected for multiple film festivals, including the Chain NYC Film Festival, Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival, Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival, Vegas Indie Film Festival, and Marina del Rey Film Festival.

Event Details

Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Location: National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
50 East Freedom Way
Cincinnati, OH 45202

12:30 p.m. — Documentary Screening
2:00 p.m. — Panel Discussion
3:00 p.m. — Documentary Screening

FREE EVENT + FREE MUSEUM ADMISSION!

Enjoy the screening and explore the entire Freedom Center for free. Pre-register online to save time, or walk in and receive free admission on site. 

Choose from two opportunities to see the film—at 12:30 p.m. or 3 p.m.—and join the 2 p.m. panel discussion either after the first screening or before the second.

The screenings are being held during the Freedom Center’s Fifth Third Community Day, when museum admission is free. Visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Community Day page for additional museum programming and updates on this special screening.

Bring your friends, family, colleagues, and anyone who cares about young people and justice.

Meet the Panelists

Rayshun Holt | Panelist
CLC Board Member & Lived Experience Expert

Rayshun Holt is a nationally recognized leader in second-chance employment and reentry innovation, serving as President of the Beacon of Hope Business Alliance, a Cincinnati-based initiative housed at Nehemiah Manufacturing. Formerly incarcerated himself — after experiencing "bindover" — Rayshun has transformed his lived experience into system-level leadership, helping businesses, workforce agencies, and policymakers build stronger, more inclusive pathways to economic mobility. He is featured in the film We Grew Up: Kids in Adult Prisons.

Rayshun serves on several boards, including the Children’s Law Center, the Jeff Ruby Foundation, Leadership Ohio, and the Queen City Book Bank. He has been recognized with Leadership Ohio’s Most Inspirational Leader and Community Impact awards for his efforts to expand opportunity and advance equity in the workplace. Rayshun continues to champion what he calls “The Power of Work. The Promise of Hope.”, demonstrating how inclusive hiring and wraparound supports can rebuild lives, strengthen businesses, and create safer, more prosperous communities for all.

Adrienne Tye |Panelist
Lived Experience Expert

Adrienne Tye works in the printing, cleaning, and catering industries. She is a dedicated wife, godmother, mentor, and advocate for young people. As a youth, Adrienne spent time in juvenile detention. At the age of 17, she was bound over to the adult prison system and served 25 years in prison. Today, she reaches young people through public speaking and by sharing her personal journey to inspire positive choices and help them understand that one decision can shape the course of a life. She also works closely with at-risk youth, fostering positive mental health, resilience, self-worth, and hope through her lived experience. In her free time, Adrienne enjoys all things sports, spending time with her goddaughter, investing in the lives of young people, and relaxing with family.

Candice Tolbert |Panelist
SuperSeeds, Executive Director

Candice Tolbert is the Executive Director of SuperSeeds. A mother of 3 boys, Candice had a son suspended for staring. When you hear her story, you will understand her passion of wanting to unite the community for the development our youth by disrupting the pipeline to prison. Stemming from her work in the community for SuperSeeds, Candice received the 2024 Marian Spencer Award recipient, 2017 and 2022 Crime Stopper of the Year Award for Crime Prevention.  She has won The Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training (CCTST) Community Advocacy Partnership Research Award partnering with UC Health, Chosen for WCPO’s Next Nine: Community Leaders Award and Graduate of The Community Leaders Institute in May 2017. A graduate of Cincinnati State Technical & Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Business Management.  Candice is the owner of Assist Financial Group and Assist Properties and former Manager of D-Fresh Entertainment.

John Bacon | Panelist
Filmmaker & Founder of Pro Bono Photo CLE

John Bacon is the founder of Pro Bono Photo CLE, where he creates documentary photography, films, and visual storytelling for organizations working to strengthen their communities. From promotional materials and headshots to event coverage and full-length documentaries, John captures authentic moments that reflect the people behind each mission. His candid, emotionally resonant style focuses on spontaneity, connection, and the genuine character of every subject. John’s time, generosity, and expertise made We Grew Up possible.

Before launching Pro Bono Photo CLE, John built an extensive career in management, consulting, and information technology. His experience leading teams, managing complex projects, and developing strategic solutions gives him a unique ability to understand clients' goals and translate their missions into compelling visual stories.

Sasha Naiman |Moderator
CLC Executive Director

Sasha Naiman is the Executive Director of Children's Law Center (CLC), a nonprofit law firm providing legal representation and policy reform for youth in Ohio and Kentucky. A public-interest attorney and policy advocate, she is passionate about ensuring children receive the legal protections, services, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Before joining CLC, Sasha spent a decade at the Ohio Justice & Policy Center representing youth and adults in the criminal legal system. Her clients included individuals prosecuted as adults for offenses committed as children through Ohio’s bindover process, giving her firsthand insight into the lifelong consequences of transferring youth into the adult system. Today, Sasha advances CLC’s efforts to promote developmentally appropriate responses to youth behavior and reduce reliance on adult prosecution. Under Sasha's leadership, CLC launched We Grew Up: a documentary and storytelling initiative that elevates the voices of people directly impacted by bindover and supports reform to laws and policies that allow children to be prosecuted as adults.