Freedom Agenda
EDWIN HERNANDEZ
"The overhaul starts with just, natural approaches. Incarceration is not the answer."
Edwin has spent the last three years dedicated to serving the community, advocating on behalf of human rights for prison reform policies and lobbying in Albany for campaigns such as Communities Not Cages, Treatment Not Jails, the Youth Justice & Opportunities Act, the Rights Behind Bars Campaign, and the People’s Campaign for Parole Justice. He continues to work with the Campaign to Close Rikers, the Stop False Police Reporting Initiative and many other solutions. Edwin also founded the 501(c)(3) non profit organization, Building Purpose Inc.
Q&A
1.) How are you connected to this movement?
I’m directly impacted. Surviving Rikers Island while others weren’t able to is what sparked the flame of interest. Seeing firsthand the injustices and lack of humanity keeps me engaged in the movement moving forward. Keeping Rikers Island open is dangerous and inhumane due to the lack of medical care. The influence that the DOC holds over the medical teams and mental health professionals creates this oligarchy structure & humanitarian issue.
2.) Why should Rikers close?
Rehabilitation isn’t occurring. The problems aren’t being fixed. The Government overseeing bodies need to reevaluate the purpose of the City’s Jail because Rikers Island doesn’t create safe paths for reentry. Iit’s a stepping stone to some who went in and came out more adapted to a criminal thinking lifestyle.
3.) What is your vision for a more just and equitable post-Rikers New York City?
Adaptive Individualized care. Whether it be recreational therapy, health care support, holistic approaches catering to individuals being sentenced by the court systems, the overhaul starts with just, natural approaches. Incarceration is not the answer, we need to stop forced care.