NYC Faith Leaders Hold Vigil at Rikers and Demand Action from New York City’s Mayor for Those Leaving Jail During COVID-19 Pandemic

Trinity Church Wall Street, The National Action Network, and Faith Leaders Across 5 Boroughs Urge Immediate Action to Support Justice-Involved Individuals

WHAT: Today Trinity Church Wall Street and prominent New York City faith leaders launched Faith Communities for Just Reentry, a coalition calling on Mayor Bill de Blasio to enact immediate measures to provide safety and support for those being released from Rikers Island during the COVID-19 pandemic. Member of this coalition will gather near Rikers Island for a vigil to call attention to the systemic racism of the criminal justice system.

WHERE:              Bridge to Rikers Island | 1910 Hazen Street, East Elmhurst, NY, 11370

WHEN:                Tuesday, July 21, 2020 | 7:00 - 8:00 AM

KEY ELEMENTS/VISUALS:

Shots of faith leaders, impacted people, community members

Leadership will outline the goals of this campaign and discuss the urgent need for Mayor de Blasio and the New York City Council to take action.

 SPEAKERS:

The Rev. Phillip A. Jackson, Priest-in-Charge and Vicar, Trinity Church Wall Street

The Rt. Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island

The Rt. Rev. Andrew M.L. Dietsche, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York

Julio Medina (MDiv.), Executive Director & CEO, Exodus Transitional Community

Rev. Kevin VanHook, Minister of Justice, Advocacy, and Change, Riverside Church

Rev. Wendy Calderón-Payne, Executive Director, Bronx Connect

Rabbi Rachel Timoner, Senior Rabbi, Congregation Beth Elohim

Derrick Perkinson, NYC Field Director, National Action Network (on behalf of Rev. Al Sharpton)

CONTACT:

Tiani Jones, Trinity Church Wall Street | 917.710.3289 | tjones@trinitywallstreet.org