Since its inception, Rikers Island has seen more than its share of issues. The jail, which has been owned by the city of New York since the 1880s, has always been what some would call a pit. The overcrowded facility continues to grow as the services to prisoners decline.
Services such as providing inmates with the proper medical care have come into question after the deaths of several inmates — such as Bradley Ballard, who was left by himself in a cell for six days when staff failed to provide him with food, water and his medication. He was found dead in his own feces after going into cardiac arrest. Then there is the story of Victor Woods, who died from a seizure as a guard looked on, drinking his coffee. There are countless stories about the inhumane treatment of inmates on Rikers Island, but people are tired of accepting it as normal.
The #CLOSERikers campaign drew many protestors demanding that Rikers be shut down. The campaign was formed in 2016 by those looking for solutions to the issues plaguing the jail.
“For decades, the notorious Rikers Island Jail Complex has been marked by violence and corruption and impervious to substantive reform,” a statement from the organization reads, “The #CLOSErikers campaign was formed in 2016 to break the political gridlock and achieve real solutions that are guided by directly impacted communities.”
Protestors were joined by celebrities such as Russell Simmons and Emily Althaus from Orange is the New Black. They were also joined by former inmates who told of their own personal horror stories from being in the jail.
“We can decide on which side of history to be on. And we can stand up and say enough is ENOUGH!” – @emilyalthaus of @OITNB pic.twitter.com/cuaCS5dUDy
— #CLOSErikers (@closerikers) September 24, 2016
“This system, this horrific treatment of our people has to change.” – @UncleRUSH #CLOSERikers pic.twitter.com/CAzyHTUtFC
— #CLOSErikers (@closerikers) September 24, 2016
Former inmates described what it was like having not enough blankets and clothes to survive the cold,as well as how they watched their fellow inmates die of heat exhaustion. With prison reform being a big topic for the upcoming election, groups like the #CLOSERikers campaign are making sure they’re a part of the conversation.
