Thompson, Heather Ann

OUR SYNOPSIS: Heather Ann Thompson harnesses relentlessly uncovered documents and artifacts that the state sought to keep away from public eyes to shed light on the Attica Prison Uprising of 1971. She shows that systemic racism substantially impacted the treatment of people experiencing incarceration at this New York State facility. Indeed, “While everyone at Attica had to work and run various cons to supplement his basic supplies, African Americans and Puerto Ricans had to hustle a great deal more because their work usually paid much less.” (12) Racism also led to disproportionate mail censorship, limited visitation, and more. Tension mounted at Attica in the lead-up to the uprising. Then it erupted into chaos on September 9, as the 1,281 people incarcerated at Attica took full control of the facility and seized hostages. They organized themselves around a leadership group to restore order, ensuring medical care for the injured and provision of food for all. Then they held an election and communally drafted a list of demands. When negotiations derailed after several days, state troopers raided and retook the prison. In the aftermath, Thompson emphasizes that families of people experiencing incarceration were ignored by the state and not provided with information. Unfortunately, “Their indignities and trauma would continue.” (241) Activists nationwide made their voices heard, pleading better post-uprising treatment of Attica’s incarcerated people and their families. These people were indicted, tried, sentenced, and further mistreated. She stresses that substantial evidence against law enforcement was not used, letting them off the hook while cracking down on incarcerated people involved.