RPMP began with directly impacted campaign leaders partnering with Create Forward and the Humanities Action Lab in order to ensure that their stories of survival would be used as instruments of both justice and education. More importantly, it set the stage for ensuring that the story of Rikers and its closure would be shaped by formerly incarcerated people. At every stage in the process, we have held ourselves accountable to the larger community of currently and formerly incarcerated New Yorkers.

  • #RememberRikers, a virtual celebration and fundraiser

    An evening of remembrance, gratitude, and the premiere of two short documentaries activating the stories in our collection and in growing our community of supporters.

    December 9, 2020 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

  • Teaching Rikers Forum

    The Rikers Island Public Memory Project, along with students from Gallatin’s “Lyrics on Lockdown” course, invites you to join us for an afternoon exploring creative ways to document the memory of Rikers and activate this history in community spaces and classrooms. Featured speakers include Darren Mack and Vidal Guzman of JustLeadershipUSA, Mariame Kaba of Project Nia/Survived and Punished, and Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz of Teachers College.

    December 10, 2018 @ 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm

  • Oral History and Mass Incarceration: An Introductory Workshop

    As a part of our initiative to preserve the stories of those most impacted by Rikers, the Rikers Public Memory Project is hosting a community workshop on the basics of conducting oral history interviews related to mass incarceration. This workshop will cover key issues such as: preparing for the interview, developing a respectful rapport with narrators, the dos and don’ts of interviewing, and ethical and legal consideration. The workshop is free and open to the public.

    July 13, 2018 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

  • Rikers Public Memory Project Launch

    Join us for the launch of the Rikers Public Memory Project: A Community Truth and Healing Process. It will be an afternoon of storytelling, dialogue, and performance. Learn about the vision and goals of the project and how you can get involved. Sign up to host a story exchange in your community and record your story.

    February 10, 2018 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

  • The State of #CLOSErikers

    Join us for The State of #CLOSErikers, hosted by JLUSA, New York Society for Ethical Culture, VOCAL-NY, New York Communities for Change, and Latino Justice, as we celebrate our collective achievements, the power of grassroots organizing, and discuss our continued plans to demand bold action to #CLOSErikers and #FREEnewyork.

    January 30, 2018 @ 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm