Prisoners' rights have always been a critical issue in Black history, as Black individuals have faced disproportionate incarceration rates and mistreatment within the criminal justice system. Throughout history, Black activists and organizations have fought for the rights of incarcerated individuals and have sought to address systemic issues within the prison system.

One significant moment in the fight for prisoners' rights in Black history was the Attica Prison uprising in 1971. Inmates at Attica Correctional Facility in New York staged a rebellion to protest the harsh conditions, overcrowding, and systemic racism within the prison. The uprising lasted for several days before being brutally suppressed by law enforcement, resulting in the deaths of several inmates and prison staff. The Attica uprising brought national attention to the conditions in prisons and sparked discussions about the need for reform and the recognition of prisoners' rights.

In more recent years, the Black Lives Matter movement has highlighted the issue of mass incarceration and the impact it has on Black communities. The movement advocates for criminal justice reform, an end to police brutality, and the dismantling of systemic racism within the justice system. Organizations such as the Equal Justice Initiative and the ACLU have also been instrumental in advocating for the rights of incarcerated individuals, particularly those who are marginalized and disproportionately affected by the criminal justice system.

Overall, the fight for prisoners' rights in Black history is intertwined with the larger struggle for racial justice and systemic change. By advocating for the rights of incarcerated individuals and addressing the underlying issues that contribute to mass incarceration, activists and organizations continue to work towards a more equitable and just criminal justice system.