The Connect- with Johnny Mitchell
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Vidal Guzman was a troublemaker as a young kid in Harlem. His knack for stick-ups and robberies landed him in Rikers Island at the age of 16. When he went back at the age of 19 he was a member of the Bloods Gang. While he spent years in Rikers before serving his time in prison he was subject to inhumane conditions by not only the other inmates but by the faculty and the state of the facilities. Once he got out for good he became an organizer working to shut Rikers down for good. He’s here to tell us about his experience on the island and the SUCCESSFUL campaign he’s been a part of!
Go Support Vidal!
Organization: https://www.americaontrialinc.org/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamvidalguzman/?hl=en
To donate to AOT visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/AmericaOnTrialFundraiser/donate?ucdirect=1
00:00:00 - Surviving Rikers Island
00:07:34 - Criminal Upbringing and Family Influence
00:14:51 - Living in Washington Heights
00:22:40 - From the Hood Vikings to the Bloods
00:30:19 - The Beginning of Neighborhood Protection
00:37:56 - Growing Up in a Dangerous Neighborhood
00:45:39 - Introduction to Rikers Island
00:53:27 - The Rocking Spots and Gang Violence at Rikers Island
01:01:12 - Survival in the Violence of the Streets
01:09:25 - Surviving In Jail
01:16:46 - Facing Harassment and Trouble with the Law
01:24:30 - Life in the Hood and Joining the Bloods
01:32:11 - Bloods and Street Organization
01:40:12 - Discussing parole and probation violations
01:48:17 - The Phone Business in Prisons and its Dangers
01:56:00 - Violent Incidents on Rikers Island
02:04:06 - Life in Gangs and Solitary Confinement
02:12:08 - Losing Good Time and the Impact on Parole
02:19:56 - Violations and Dangers of Rikers Island
02:27:45 - Closing Rikers and the Impact
02:35:46 - Sponsorship Announcement
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