Vidal Guzman
Contributor
Vidal Guzman is an abolitionist, entrepreneur, and author, serving as the Executive Director and founder of America On Trial Inc. He is also the visionary behind the #AIRS Campaign, #FixThe13thNY Campaign, and the End Qualified Immunity NY Campaign.
Raised in Harlem by a single mother of three, Vidal’s life was shaped by firsthand experience with the criminal legal system. Arrested and tried as an adult at just 16, he was released on probation from Rikers in 2008, only to face legal challenges again at 19, leading to a five-year sentence in an upstate prison.Determined to turn his experience into action, Vidal dedicated himself to advocacy and systemic change upon his return home at 24. He became a key organizer with JustLeadershipUSA, playing a critical role in campaigns like #CLOSErikers and #buildCOMMUNITIES, which contributed to the 2019 Close Rikers plan. This effort secured $391 million from the New York City Council for community investment and criminal justice reform. Today, Vidal continues to lead efforts for justice reform and media accountability through America On Trial Inc., working to amplify the voices of directly impacted communities and push for systemic change.
