They had that typical adolescent paradoxical sense of being completely powerful, yet totally vulnerable. Richie notes that the relationships between certain communities in New York City and jail are becoming closer and closer. It's almost as if the jail is part of the community. The connection between the South Bronx and Rikers is much closer than between the South Bronx and midtown Manhattan, for example. Everyone seems to know somebody whoUs been on Rikers.
People go to jail all the time to visit family members.
Even since writing the book, I think conditions in the communities of the women at Rikers Island have significantly deteriorated, and that includes the deterioration of outside human services. Last fall Richie began to visit Rikers on a regular basis again to listen, this time to adolescent girls. This, her busy teaching, writing and public speaking schedules, and her continuing work with community-based organizations leave her little free time. Richie thinks of herself as a vigorous advocate for women's health. Her various roles provide great satisfaction.