Joseph Griffin

Joseph Griffin grew up in Harlem. He first arrived at Rikers as a 19 year old in the mid-2000s. He later served time in state prison. A lot of people in his community saw a stint at Rikers Island as a rite of passage, proof you could be aggressive and dominant. He remembers the "gang banging code" at Rikers, where there were three phones in his dorm--one for Bloods, one for Latin Kings, and one for people who identified as "neutral." He recalls the inadequate medical care he received at Rikers, including having to beg for hours for his asthma medication. He landed in "the box" (solitary confinement) several times at Rikers for fights and rules violations. Though isolated, he felt safe in the box: "I don't have to worry about nobody cutting me, stabbing me. I ain't got to worry about gangbanging. ... It’s just a peaceful sleep." He discusses his hopes of mentoring young people, showing them they have options beyond gangs and jail. (Summary written by: Annie Anderson)