The Attica Prison uprising took place during September 9-13, 1971. New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller refused to meet with Attica prison inmates to discuss their demands to improve inhumane prison conditions. Instead of seeking a peaceful resolution he sent in the National Guard to violently squash the uprising. As a result 33 prisoners and 10 correction officers tragically lost their life.
“Attica Blues” is the title track off of Archie Shepp’s 1972 album. The tune serves as a warning that uprisings are a direct result of failure to address human injustices.
Sadly, the battle for prison reform continues to rage. For example, from August 21-September 9, 2018, a number of prisons chose to engage in a National Prison Strike.
They made a list of ten demands, which includes bringing an end to prison slavery, addressing racial bias in sentencing and parole decisions, expanding rehab services and restoring voting rights.
The issues of protesting injustices goes beyond the prison strike. For example, the album cover of Shepp’s 1972 album features the iconic image of Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising their fist during the playing of the national anthem at the 1968 Olympics medal ceremony. Athletes using their platform to protest injustices continues with NFL players silently protesting during the national anthem.
Hopefully the day will come when protest music from the past will no longer remain relevant.
