Prisoners' rights have been a significant issue in Black history, as African Americans have disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system and faced systemic inequalities within prisons. One pivotal moment in the struggle for prisoners' rights was the Attica Prison uprising in 1971, where primarily Black and Hispanic inmates protested against inhumane conditions and demanded improvements in healthcare, sanitation, and visitation rights.

The Attica uprising brought national attention to the dire conditions faced by incarcerated individuals, particularly people of color, and led to calls for prison reform and respect for prisoners' rights. Additionally, organizations like the Prisoners' Rights Movement emerged to advocate for fair treatment, access to education and rehabilitation programs, and an end to discriminatory practices within the prison system.

Over the years, Black activists and leaders have continued to fight for the rights of incarcerated individuals, highlighting issues such as mass incarceration, racial disparities in sentencing, and the need for rehabilitation and reentry programs. The struggle for prisoners' rights is deeply intertwined with the broader movement for racial justice and equality, as both aim to address systemic racism and inequality within the criminal justice system.