Storming the Gates

Prisoners raise their fists during the Attica uprising.

Fifty years ago this week, September 9-13, 1971, incarcerated men at the Attica Correctional Facility in upstate New York took control of the state prison to demand humane treatment and better living. The revolt captured the nation’s attention, with journalists, historians and political analysts calling it a pivotal moment in the national prisoners’ rights movement.

Now, after the murder of George Floyd inspired renewed protests across the country demanding accountability around law enforcement, corrections and criminal justice, the WNYC Race and Justice Unit sought to reexamine the 50th anniversary of the Attica uprising, what has changed in New York State’s prison system to improve the quality of life for inmates, and what remains unaddressed half a century later.

Latest Articles Tagged "Attica uprising"

News

Attica: A Small Town With A Big Prison And A Bloody History

Local residents in the town of Attica don't mind the stigma of the prison uprising that took place here 50 years ago, but they remain clear-eyed about what really happened.

Joseph Gedeon

News

Looking Back At Attica: Prisoners' Right To "True Religious Freedom"

How Black Muslims led the prison rights movement.

Arun Venugopal

News

50 Years After Attica, Activists Are Still Fighting To End Coerced Prison Labor

The fifth demand of the Attica manifesto was that prisoners “cannot be compelled to work.”

George Joseph

News

Looking Back At The 1971 Attica Uprising: What Set The Stage For The Deadly Riots

Race And Justice Unit

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