Prisoners' rights have been a central issue in Black history, as the criminal justice system has long been used as a tool of oppression and control over Black individuals. Throughout history, Black people have been disproportionately targeted, arrested, and incarcerated, leading to a higher representation of Black individuals in the prison system.

One key moment in the fight for prisoners' rights in Black history was the Attica Prison uprising in 1971. Prisoners at the Attica Correctional Facility in New York protested against inhumane conditions, overcrowding, and mistreatment by guards. The majority of the inmates were Black and Latino, highlighting the racial disparities in the criminal justice system. The uprising lasted for five days before being forcefully suppressed by law enforcement, resulting in the deaths of multiple inmates and guards.

The Attica uprising brought national attention to the issue of prisoners' rights and sparked debates about the need for reform in the criminal justice system. It also inspired a renewed focus on ensuring humane treatment and fair legal representation for prisoners, particularly for Black and marginalized individuals.

Since then, organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund have worked to advocate for the rights of prisoners, including fighting against mass incarceration, advocating for fair sentencing practices, and pushing for the end of solitary confinement and other forms of inhumane treatment.

Overall, the fight for prisoners' rights in Black history is deeply intertwined with the broader struggle for civil rights and racial justice. It reflects the ongoing challenges faced by Black individuals within the criminal justice system and the need for systemic reforms to address these disparities.