Black Agenda Report
Black Agenda Report
News, commentary and analysis from the black left.

  • Home
  • Africa
  • African America
  • Education
  • Environment
  • International
  • Media and Culture
  • Political Economy
  • Radio
  • US Politics
  • War and Empire

Rikers Island, Slave Catching, and the Modern Carceral State
Black Agenda Radio with Margaret Kimberley
07 Mar 2025
🖨️ Print Article

Black Agenda Radio · Rikers Island, Slave Catching, and the Modern Carceral State

Darren Mack is co-founder and co-director of Freedom Agenda, an organization devoted to decarceration and system transformation, including closing the Rikers Island jail. In commenting on New York City mayor Eric Adams' plan to allow ICE to operate on Rikers Island, Darren Mack pointed out the history behind the name. Richard Riker was a New York City judge who worked with slave catchers and the kidnappers who captured fleeing enslaved people and free Black New Yorkers to send them to slavery in the south. Darren Mack joins us from New York City to discuss this history, the need to close Rikers Island, and the historical connections with the modern-day carceral state.

Rikers Island
Incarceration
Slavery
New York City
Eric Adams

Related Podcasts

Carmella Charrington
Black Agenda Radio with Margaret Kimberley
Deed Theft and Black Communities
22 May 2026
Leah Goodridge, a New York City-based attorney, housing advocate, and writer, is a memb
BAR Radio Logo
Black Agenda Radio with Margaret Kimberley
Black Agenda Radio April 24, 2026
24 April 2026
In this week’s segment, we discuss the importance of including African-descended people in discussions around climate change and a just transition
Carmella Charrington
Black Agenda Radio with Margaret Kimberley
Deed Theft and the Loss of Black Property
24 April 2026
Evangeline of the People’s Coalition to Stop Deed Theft, a grassroots New York City organiz

More Stories


  • Blue Flag Over Las Anod: A Victory for Somali Nationalists
    Ann Garrison, BAR Contributing Editor
    Blue Flag Over Las Anod: A Victory for Somali Nationalists
    30 Aug 2023
    Somali nationalists claim victory and raise the Somali flag above the city of Las Anod.
  • Counter-insurgency and Black Studies: An Interview with Tea Troutman
    Tea Troutman , Roberto Sirvent, BAR Book Forum Editor
    Counter-insurgency and Black Studies: An Interview with Tea Troutman
    30 Aug 2023
    Counter-insurgency and Black Studies: An Interview with Tea Troutman
  • Katrina, Rich Men North Of Richmond, And The Persistent Hatred of Poor People
    Jacqueline Luqman
    Katrina, Rich Men North Of Richmond, And The Persistent Hatred of Poor People
    30 Aug 2023
    The anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and a new song are reminders that a strong hatred of the poor continues in the U.S.
  • Challenging Imperialism: Communist Party of Kenya Stands in Solidarity for Justice and Equality with the Haitian People
    Communist Party of Kenya
    Challenging Imperialism: Communist Party of Kenya Stands in Solidarity for Justice and Equality with the Haitian People
    30 Aug 2023
    The Communist Party of Kenya strongly condemns their nation's involvement in the impending occupation of Haiti.
  • No to Blackface imperialism. Yes to Haitian Sovereignty
    Black Alliance for Peace Haiti/Americas Team
    No to Blackface imperialism. Yes to Haitian Sovereignty
    30 Aug 2023
    The plan for the next occupation of Haiti involves Caribbean nations Jamaica and the Bahamas. Even far away Kenya is allowing itself to be used to give cover to a racist attack.
  • Load More
Subscribe
connect with us
about us
contact us