Frank “Big Black” Smith at a protest and fundraiser for the Attica Brothers in 1974.
Attica Then
Key to the vision of the Attica Brothers Foundation is an understanding of the racist history of policing and prisons in the United States, and the way those patterns continue to this day.
The tragic events at Attica Prison on September 13, 1971 were predicted by the Attica Brothers in D Yard, and they laid the groundwork for the worst excesses of modern policing. The rebellion and retaking at Attica is a useful hinge point in understanding how we got to where we are.
Our goal is to mitigate the impact of these unjust systems on the handful of remaining Attica Brothers as they transition into retirement. That will be done by direct communication, satisfying requests as needed, and offering financial support to the extent that we are able.
But our focus is not only on the sins of the past.
Frank “Big Black” Smith at an Attica Freedom rally, 1974.
Attica Now
The Attica Brothers experienced the worst abuses of the state, long before they were dodging bullets in the yard.
They know the pain of being separated from family and community. They fought with our broken system for decades, and been a part of the reform conversation all along.
They’ve built the relationships necessary to make a difference in this struggle.
They put their lives on the line for all of us.
Now we have the opportunity to support and learn from the Attica Brothers about the work that still needs to be done, so no one has to experience a day like September 13, 1971 ever again.