Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson was born in Brooklyn and raised in Harlem and the Bronx. He served several stints at Rikers, some lasting days and some lasting months. He was incarcerated at Rikers from the fall of 2018 to the spring of 2020, when he was released amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Johnson, who lives with PTSD and depression, was housed in the mental observation (MO) unit at Rikers. While in jail, he got paid to do suicide watch, going cell to cell and intervening if he observed individuals engaged in self-harm. He survived a severe leg infection and a violent encounter with a group of Latin King gang members during his incarceration. When asked what Rikers smells like, he replied: "Death. Feet. Vomit. Bowels. Weed. Cigarettes. K2." (Summary written by: Annie Anderson)