Attica
On September 9, 1971, 1200 prisoners at Attica State Prison in upstate New York seized control of the prison demanding better living, working and educational conditions. The rebellion lasted for four days until the New York State Police stormed the prison killing 29 prisoners and 10 hostages.
Documents
5 Documents Found
Big Black speaks at Attica anniversary event
Big Black (Frank Smith) speaks about “where we should see ourselves in 1977”; US as prison state; need for intra-racial and inter-racial solidarity; responsibility and commitment to political organizing; ends with Q and A session
We Are Attica
Date: 2/1/1972Call Number: PM 151Format: 1/4 7 1/2 ipsProducers: Bruce Soloway, Dolores Costello, Paul Fisher, David RapkinProgram: Pacific Radio WBAICollection: Attica
In February of 1972 seven maximum security prisoners were finally allowed to give the press in-prison interviews. They give accounts of the inhumane state of health care, education, rules and punishments, race discrimination, exploitation of labor, and general oppression still evident within the prison. They also discuss the Attica Liberation Faction, the manifesto (partial reading included) and the effect of George Jackson’s death on the prisoners. They speak about the September 13, 1971 rebellion, the violent retaking of the prison, torture and murder of prisoners and guards by the government. Donald Noble from PM 152 and Frank Smith from PM 155.
Inside Attica: An Interview with Donald Noble
Date: 2/14/1972Call Number: PM 152Format: 1/4 7 1/2 ipsProducers: Bruce Soloway, Cinda FirestoneProgram: WBAICollection: Attica
Interview conducted with Donald Noble, singled out as a “leader” of the Attica Rebellion and mistreated. He speaks on his past and present experience within the prison and what little changes occurred after the rebellion. He comments on the flawed press coverage of the prison and his hope for outside intervention. Excerpted in PM 151.
Attica: Black Friday
Three days after the Attica rebellion ended a memorial was held outside the prison walls for the deceased guards and prison employees. Speakers included chaplains from numerous prisons. The next day a much different memorial was held. BUILD (a local black community action organization) held a memorial rally in Buffalo called Black Friday. People were asked to boycott school and work and thousands were in attendance. Reverend Ismael Shaw and Pastor Bob Wilson spoke in praise of the prisoners who gave their lives, Tilmon White read 2 poems, Bill Gater of the Citizen Observer Committee read the list of the prisoner’s demands and the Gale Singers gave a musical performance. Other speakers included Dr. Elise Galotti of Howard University, James Foreman of the Black Worker’s Congress, a sister of of one of the prisoner’s murdered in the rebellion and Minister Franklin Florence of FIGHT.
Interview with Elizabeth Fink about the Attica Rebellion in 1971
Claude Marks interviews Elizabeth Fink, one of the main lawyers for the Attica Brothers Defense Committeeabout the history of the Attica Prison Rebellion and its aftermath.
5 Documents Found
