Video: Violence in the City Jails and the Push to Close Rikers
CityLimits
It’s been more than two years since The New York Times and the office of U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara exposed a crisis of violence, deprivation and mistreatment on Rikers Island, and about 15 months since Mayor de Blasio settled a federal lawsuit by promising a raft of reforms. Since the reporting in 2014, and despite the city’s promises to fix the problem, some—including more than one elected official—have called for Rikers to close.
Read moreNearly 1,000 People March and Rally in Queens in Action to Close Rikers Island Jail Complex
For Immediate Release
September 26, 2016
Contact: Gabriel Sayegh, 646-335-2264
Valrie Fowler, 347-622-3694
Nearly 1,000 People March and Rally in Queens
in Action to Close Rikers Island Jail Complex
Nearly 100 Advocacy Groups, City Officials and Celebrities
Demand Mayor de Blasio Close Rikers, Build Communities
New York, Sept. 24, 2016 – Nearly 1,000 New Yorkers -- including NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer, Russell Simmons, NYC Council Members Brad Lander, Danny Dromm, and Antonio Reynoso, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Rev. Vivian Nixon, and more -- gathered in Queens on Saturday in a historic march and rally to call on New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio to close Rikers Island Jail Complex.
Read moreWhy We’re Marching to Close Rikers
GothamGazette
For years, New Yorkers have been barraged by stories of violence and corruption on Rikers Island. On Saturday, September 24, hundreds of New Yorkers -- including people who have spent time on Rikers Island and their families; criminal justice reform activists; faith leaders; and elected officials -- will march together and demand that Mayor de Blasio #CLOSErikers
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The time to close Rikers Island is now
NewYorkNonprofit Media
Closing Rikers Island has been both a professional and personal goal for many years. My first experience with New York City’s human grist mill happened when I was only 16 years old and was detained at Rikers on a shoplifting accusation. On one of my first days I was attacked by a group of residents while the correction officers looked on and laughed. I emerged with four stab wounds inflicted by writing pens melted and fashioned into shanks. I survived and earned respect, but I also learned that the correction officers didn’t care if I lived or died. Unfortunately, my story is not unique, and conditions have not changed. Brutality and neglect are embedded in Rikers Island’s DNA.
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