Monday August 31 - Countdown to Closing Rikers Day of Action

August 31, 2026 marks one year from the legal deadline to Close Rikers. In the years since survivors of Rikers and impacted families pushed then-Mayor de Blasio to commit to closing Rikers, we've made historic progress, even against the opposition of former Mayor Eric Adams.

Since Mayor Mamdani assumed office, he's taken important steps toward closing Rikers, and he must do more to prevent and reduce incarceration. With focused action, New York City can reduce the number of people in jail substantially by August 31, 2027, and strengthen community health and safety in the process.

Schedule of events:

4PM: Art Installation, featuring illustrations by Medar de la Cruz

5PM: Press Conference

6PM: Speakout & performances, featuring Radical Evolution Theater, Flex Dance Program, Re/Creation writers, Helen Skipper, Jose Perez, and Broadway Advocacy Coalition artists

7:30PM: Candlelight Vigil 

*Also from 4-7:30PM, visit our video booth and action table to share your ideas for how you want to see the money saved from closing Rikers reinvested in your community