Prisoners' rights have been a significant issue in Black history, as African Americans have historically been disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system. From early on in American history, Black individuals have been subjected to harsh and discriminatory treatment within the criminal justice system, leading to calls for the protection and advancement of prisoners' rights.

During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, activists like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Angela Davis brought attention to the systemic injustices faced by Black prisoners. They highlighted issues such as overcrowded and unsanitary conditions in prisons, lack of access to adequate healthcare, and racial discrimination in sentencing and parole decisions.

One landmark case that brought attention to prisoners' rights in Black history is the 1972 Supreme Court case of Furman v. Georgia, in which the court ruled that the death penalty as applied at the time was unconstitutional due to its arbitrary and discriminatory nature. This decision led to a moratorium on the death penalty in the United States and eventually paved the way for reforms in the criminal justice system.

In more recent years, the Black Lives Matter movement has highlighted the issue of mass incarceration and its impact on Black communities. Activists and organizations have pushed for reforms to address systemic racism in the criminal justice system, including advocating for fair sentencing, rehabilitation programs, and improved conditions for incarcerated individuals.

Overall, the fight for prisoners' rights in Black history has been a critical aspect of the broader struggle for civil rights and racial justice in the United States. The ongoing efforts to reform the criminal justice system and protect the rights of prisoners continue to be important issues within the Black community and society at large.