Hamilton-Wenham Public Library

Blood in the water, the Attica Prison uprising of 1971 and its legacy, Heather Ann Thompson

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 579-684) and index

illustrations

index present

non fiction

Blood in the water

bibliography

945169854

Heather Ann Thompson

the Attica Prison uprising of 1971 and its legacy

On September 9, 1971, nearly 1,300 prisoners took over the Attica Correctional Facility in upstate New York to protest years of mistreatment. Holding guards and civilian employees hostage, the prisoners negotiated with officials for improved conditions during the four long days and nights that followed. On September 13, the state abruptly sent hundreds of heavily armed troopers and correction officers to retake the prison by force. Their gunfire killed thirty-nine men--hostages as well as prisoners--and severely wounded more than one hundred others. In the ensuing hours, weeks, and months, troopers and officers brutally retaliated against the prisoners. Ultimately, New York State authorities prosecuted only the prisoners, never once bringing charges against the officials involved in the retaking and its aftermath and neglecting to provide support to the survivors and the families of the men who had been killed. Drawing from more than a decade of extensive research, historian Heather Ann Thompson sheds new light on every aspect of the uprising and its legacy, giving voice to all those who took part in this 45-year fight for justice: prisoners, former hostages, families of the victims, lawyers and judges, and state officials and members of law enforcement. This book is the first full account of one of the most important civil rights stories of the last century.--Adapted from dust jacket

The tinderbox -- Power and politics unleashed -- The sound before the fury -- Retribution and reprisals unimagined -- Reckonings and reactions -- Inquiries and diversions -- Justice on trial -- Blowing the whistle -- David and Goliath -- A final fight