Wednesday, 9/25: Shut Rikers Action!
Rikers is in a state of crisis. Violence is out of control and people incarcerated there are at risk of harm and death every day. On Wednesday, September 25, a federal court will hold a hearing to consider whether the Adams administration is in contempt (again) for failing to improve the conditions and reduce violence on Rikers Island.
We will gather before the hearing at City Hall Park at 1 p.m. to demand that Mayor Adams shut down Rikers. Then we’ll march to Foley Square at 1:30 p.m. for our Shut Rikers rally to call on the federal courts to appoint a receiver and save lives until Rikers is closed. RSVP to join us on Wednesday, September 25, for our Shut Rikers action!
Because of the ongoing dysfunction and violence at Rikers and the Department of Correction’s gross mismanagement, support for an independent receiver is growing. Over 80 community and advocacy groups, former correctional officials, New York City’s comptroller and public advocate, 20 city council members, dozens of state legislators, state and federal prosecutors, and others are calling for the appointment of a federal receiver.
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, September 25. If you have questions, please contact Melanie, our organizing director, at melanie@katalcenter.org
Recap: September NY Statewide Criminal Justice Reform Call
Thank you for joining our September New York Statewide Criminal Justice Reform Call. During the call, our lobbyist, Artie Malkin from Malkin & Ross, summarized the end of the last legislative session and discussed the November elections and how they may impact criminal justice reform efforts. We were also joined by organizers and advocates leading campaigns across the state on Treatment Not Jails, Jury of Our Peers, Gate Money, Safe and Fair Traffic Enforcement, Communities Not Cages, and Second Look legislation.
Do you want to learn more about what’s happening in Albany? Register to join our next Statewide Criminal Justice Reform Call on Thursday, October 10, from noon to 1 p.m.
If you have any questions about the statewide call or would like to be a presenter, please contact Yonah at Yonah@katalcenter.org.
Next Week’s Shut Rikers Phone Zap, Wednesday, 9/18
Join us this Wednesday, September 18, from noon to 1 p.m. for our Shut Rikers Phone Zap via Zoom! You can RSVP here. We will be calling New York City Council members to demand that they take immediate action to end the suffering and violence at Rikers. At least 33 people have died in Department of Correction custody since Adams took office. The city council must swiftly pass Resolution 183, which calls on the federal courts to immediately appoint an independent receiver to take over Rikers and improve conditions there until it is shut down.
Join us at noon this Wednesday, September 18, for our Shut Rikers Phone Zap!Any questions? Reach out to Ricky at ricky@katalcenter.org.
Katal Quotes of the Week
These are some of the quotes we’re thinking about this week.
“There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.” – Toni Morrison
“Every moment is an organizing opportunity.” – Dolores Huerta
For printing and distribution, download the Katal Weekly Update PDF version.
Katal works to strengthen the people, policies, institutions, and movements that advance equity, health, and justice. Join us: web, Twitter, Facebook!
Email: info@katalcenter.org
Phone: 646.875.8822.
