What really happened during the Attica Prison Rebellion

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Orisanmi Burton |

TED-Ed

• May 2021

On September 9th 1971, a spontaneous uprising began in a New York State prison. A group of prisoners overpowered guards, broke windows, started fires, and captured supplies, sparking the Attica Rebellion. Soon, over 1,200 prisoners had assembled with 42 hostages to demand better treatment and better living conditions. Orisanmi Burton details the revolt and deadly retaking of Attica prison. [Directed by Tomás Pichardo-Espaillat, narrated by Christina Greer, music by Cem Misirlioglu and Greg Chudzik].