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Big Black: Stand at Attica
A graphic novel memoir from Frank “Big Black” Smith, a prisoner at Attica State Prison in 1971, whose rebellion against the injustices of the prison system remains one of the bloodiest civil rights confrontations in American history.
FOUR DAYS IN 1971 CHANGED THE COURSE OF AMERICAN HISTORY. THIS IS THE TRUE STORY FROM THE MAN AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL.
In the summer of 1971, the New York’s Attica State Prison is a symbol of everything broken in America – abused prisoners, rampant racism and a blind eye turned towards the injustices perpetrated on the powerless. But when the guards at Attica overreact to a minor incident, the prisoners decide they’ve had enough – and revolt against their jailers, taking them hostage and making demands for humane conditions. Frank “Big Black” Smith finds himself at the center of this uprising, struggling to protect hostages, prisoners and negotiators alike. But when the only avenue for justice seems to be negotiating with ambitious Governor Nelson Rockefeller, Big Black soon discovers there may be no hope in finding a peaceful resolution for the prisoners in Attica.
Written by Jared Reinmuth and Frank “Big Black” Smith himself, adapted and illustrated by Ameziane, Big Black: Stand At Attica is an unflinching look at the price of standing up to injustice in what remains one of the bloodiest civil rights confrontations in American history.
FOUR DAYS IN 1971 CHANGED THE COURSE OF AMERICAN HISTORY. THIS IS THE TRUE STORY FROM THE MAN AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL.
In the summer of 1971, the New York’s Attica State Prison is a symbol of everything broken in America – abused prisoners, rampant racism and a blind eye turned towards the injustices perpetrated on the powerless. But when the guards at Attica overreact to a minor incident, the prisoners decide they’ve had enough – and revolt against their jailers, taking them hostage and making demands for humane conditions. Frank “Big Black” Smith finds himself at the center of this uprising, struggling to protect hostages, prisoners and negotiators alike. But when the only avenue for justice seems to be negotiating with ambitious Governor Nelson Rockefeller, Big Black soon discovers there may be no hope in finding a peaceful resolution for the prisoners in Attica.
Written by Jared Reinmuth and Frank “Big Black” Smith himself, adapted and illustrated by Ameziane, Big Black: Stand At Attica is an unflinching look at the price of standing up to injustice in what remains one of the bloodiest civil rights confrontations in American history.
176 pages, Paperback
First published February 12, 2020
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870 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
August 31, 2020
It's troubling how much the social issues of today look the same as they did 50 years ago. In 1971, black prisoners rioted and took over their block of Attica prison. All they wanted was to be treated as human beings. The conditions there were awful. One shower a week. One roll of toilet paper and a bar of soap per month. Constant beatings and beratings by racist guards. After 4 days Governor Nelson Rockefeller ordered white officers to storm the prison, killing 10 hostages and 33 inmates. It took 26 years for Frank Smith to get even the smallest bit of justice for the torture and beatings he received from guards.
The story is both fascinating and heart-wrenching. However, the storytelling often lost me, especially in the beginning. It jumped around in time too many times, making it difficult to follow the story. It's telling that the author is an actor, not a writer and the stepson of one of Smith's lawyers and that this was published 16 years after Smith's death.
Received a review copy from Archaia and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
The story is both fascinating and heart-wrenching. However, the storytelling often lost me, especially in the beginning. It jumped around in time too many times, making it difficult to follow the story. It's telling that the author is an actor, not a writer and the stepson of one of Smith's lawyers and that this was published 16 years after Smith's death.
Received a review copy from Archaia and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
August 9, 2020
Review originally posted here: https://sammythecritic.blogspot.com/2...
Synopsis: This graphic memoir details the events leading up to the 1971 Attica Prison Riots from the perspective of survivor Frank “Big Black Smith”.
My Thoughts: In this still troubled day and age, much of the social issues addressed in this book continue to remain relevant as the mass incarceration and recidivism rates exponentially rise among racial minority groups due to institutional prejudices and barriers within our criminal justice system. I must confess, shamefully, as a black American and native New Yorker, I wasn’t very aware of the historical significance of the riot hitherto when I picked this book. It gives the limelight to a minorities groups that are all too often either overlooked or vilified especially in the comics industry, African-Americans and prisoners, the latter of which are generally regarded as one of the lowest of repulsive degenerates who aren’t deserving of even the tiniest sliver of sympathy or humanity. This is as shown here with unrelenting honesty as the prisoners at the cell are denied basic survival commodities and decency including lack of medical attention, unpaid labor, one shower a week and soap a month. One of the most impressive parts of the graphic novel is its use of a limited color palette to an astounding dramatical effect. Most of the coloring consists of black and white hues but when other colors are employed, they help enhance the intensity of many of the sequences. Some noteworthy examples of this include how red emphasizes the violence of a scene (i.e. the penitentiary riots and torture scenes) and blue is saved for the more morose bits. Meanwhile, the silhouettes evocatively conveyed the grit and shabbiness surrounding the settings and serve as a stylistic time saver. The most heartbreaking part, however, was how Big Black wasn’t recompensated for his brutal treatment until 26 years after the rebellion for $4 million. Yet this settled doesn’t expunge or make up for what he went through as he continued suffering from PTSD for the rest of his life.
Final Thoughts: Big Bad: Stand at Attica touches upon a significant chapter in history often ignored and does so with painstaking excellence. I would recommend it as required reading to anyone who cares about U.S. or black history and social justice.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with my first advance ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: This graphic memoir details the events leading up to the 1971 Attica Prison Riots from the perspective of survivor Frank “Big Black Smith”.
My Thoughts: In this still troubled day and age, much of the social issues addressed in this book continue to remain relevant as the mass incarceration and recidivism rates exponentially rise among racial minority groups due to institutional prejudices and barriers within our criminal justice system. I must confess, shamefully, as a black American and native New Yorker, I wasn’t very aware of the historical significance of the riot hitherto when I picked this book. It gives the limelight to a minorities groups that are all too often either overlooked or vilified especially in the comics industry, African-Americans and prisoners, the latter of which are generally regarded as one of the lowest of repulsive degenerates who aren’t deserving of even the tiniest sliver of sympathy or humanity. This is as shown here with unrelenting honesty as the prisoners at the cell are denied basic survival commodities and decency including lack of medical attention, unpaid labor, one shower a week and soap a month. One of the most impressive parts of the graphic novel is its use of a limited color palette to an astounding dramatical effect. Most of the coloring consists of black and white hues but when other colors are employed, they help enhance the intensity of many of the sequences. Some noteworthy examples of this include how red emphasizes the violence of a scene (i.e. the penitentiary riots and torture scenes) and blue is saved for the more morose bits. Meanwhile, the silhouettes evocatively conveyed the grit and shabbiness surrounding the settings and serve as a stylistic time saver. The most heartbreaking part, however, was how Big Black wasn’t recompensated for his brutal treatment until 26 years after the rebellion for $4 million. Yet this settled doesn’t expunge or make up for what he went through as he continued suffering from PTSD for the rest of his life.
Final Thoughts: Big Bad: Stand at Attica touches upon a significant chapter in history often ignored and does so with painstaking excellence. I would recommend it as required reading to anyone who cares about U.S. or black history and social justice.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with my first advance ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2020
I wanted to like this, but I got worried as soon as I saw the secondary author's Poetic and Randomly Capitalized dedication. (Smith himself died in 2004, so I'm curious about the nature of his collaboration with a guy who is the step-son of his lawyer. This seems Green Book-y.)
And indeed, the writing was a bit of a mess with dozens of character names thrown out with little or no introduction and random changes between an old-fashioned comic-book vibe and Very Serious business. I appreciate the message being presented, but it sort of gets lost in the static.
As a work of nonfiction it does not sate, serving more to simply whet my appetite on the subject.
The art was okay, but randomly switched between single-page layouts and double-page spreads without much signal, leading me to read panels out of order several times.
And indeed, the writing was a bit of a mess with dozens of character names thrown out with little or no introduction and random changes between an old-fashioned comic-book vibe and Very Serious business. I appreciate the message being presented, but it sort of gets lost in the static.
As a work of nonfiction it does not sate, serving more to simply whet my appetite on the subject.
The art was okay, but randomly switched between single-page layouts and double-page spreads without much signal, leading me to read panels out of order several times.
July 23, 2020
Whenever the US Government holds itself out as a defender of freedom and human rights, I always cringe because it isn't. Present day mass incarceration, police brutality, gun violence and racism show that the US certainly isn't the wonderful example of democracy that it says it is. Like many other countries in the world today the US has feet of clay and an underbelly of injustice. Many countries have this.
One of the ways to confront this underbelly is to recognise differing views of history and listen to the stories of the powerless and the marginalised in history. In this way the lessons from history can be heard and learnt and steps can be taken to make society more just. That should be the work of Governments but many times it isn't.
This book tells the story of one of those powerless people. As we hear stories of people taken from US streets by secret service agents, this story gives hope and encourages the reader to focus on the story of the Attica brothers who did not allow themselves to be defined or limited by those who weilded power against them in oppressive and violent ways.
The US is powerful in some ways but so was Rome. In history kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall but in the midst of this history individuals find ways to live against the tides of oppression and brutality that are so common in our world today. This is an excellent graphic novel because it gives us the chance to focus on the life of one of such individuals. I didn't know anything about Frank Smith and I certainly didnt know anything about Attica but now I do.
I always think that graphic novels are a powerful way of telling stories and this story is one that should definitely be told in this way. It is painful, hopeful, and portrays oppression but it also gives voice to a group of men who were powerless and very much despised. It shows that even the despised and rejected have dignity and agency even if they are in prison.
This is an incredibly powerful graphic novel and I am glad I read it although I am not a fan of the artwork. The colouring of the artwork was a bit dull for me but I overlooked that because the story is powerful, educational and gripping.
Excellent portrayal of a story that reminds us that justice, fairness and human rights need to be the bedrock of any country that holds itself out as being great.
Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
One of the ways to confront this underbelly is to recognise differing views of history and listen to the stories of the powerless and the marginalised in history. In this way the lessons from history can be heard and learnt and steps can be taken to make society more just. That should be the work of Governments but many times it isn't.
This book tells the story of one of those powerless people. As we hear stories of people taken from US streets by secret service agents, this story gives hope and encourages the reader to focus on the story of the Attica brothers who did not allow themselves to be defined or limited by those who weilded power against them in oppressive and violent ways.
The US is powerful in some ways but so was Rome. In history kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall but in the midst of this history individuals find ways to live against the tides of oppression and brutality that are so common in our world today. This is an excellent graphic novel because it gives us the chance to focus on the life of one of such individuals. I didn't know anything about Frank Smith and I certainly didnt know anything about Attica but now I do.
I always think that graphic novels are a powerful way of telling stories and this story is one that should definitely be told in this way. It is painful, hopeful, and portrays oppression but it also gives voice to a group of men who were powerless and very much despised. It shows that even the despised and rejected have dignity and agency even if they are in prison.
This is an incredibly powerful graphic novel and I am glad I read it although I am not a fan of the artwork. The colouring of the artwork was a bit dull for me but I overlooked that because the story is powerful, educational and gripping.
Excellent portrayal of a story that reminds us that justice, fairness and human rights need to be the bedrock of any country that holds itself out as being great.
Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
March 17, 2020
A great companion to the book "Blood in the Water" by Heather Ann Thompson which I read a few years ago. This was coming from a prisoner's point of view. Frank "Big Black" Smith was right in the center of it. A good man who saved lives and kept order during hostage situation. Unfortunately America has not changed much. Must read. Highest recommendation.
May 8, 2022
I can't believe this is America.
People were saying that in 1971. They are still saying that. What is this notion of America, that people seem to believe in but don't see around them? (Note: I live in North America but am not "American".)
One of the most disturbing elements of this graphic novel depiction of real events in the 1970s is that it still feels so damn contemporary and relevant. The number of prisons has only grown; the effects of racial bias in the justice system are still prominent.
Instead of negotiating a peaceful resolution, the NY governor (Nelson Rockefeller), with the support of the president (Richard Nixon), stormed the prison and shot inmates and hostages alike. The hostages were guards, and some were shot several times — but the officials then claimed the hostages were killed by the inmates and the press obligingly reported the disinformation/ misinformation.
You can call the events at Attica a prison riot, a protest, or a rebellion against mistreatment. You can call the reaction by the authorities a massacre. The authorities called it necessary, called it "law and order" but the courts did not agree. The inmates did not have firearms, and most were shot in the back.
This is a difficult book to read, in that the content is incredibly disturbing. Warning—scenes of torture.
Lawsuits after this event took decades to resolve, but the government was eventually ordered to pay for the abuse of inmates and the horrendous retribution inflicted on Frank Smith and others.
People were saying that in 1971. They are still saying that. What is this notion of America, that people seem to believe in but don't see around them? (Note: I live in North America but am not "American".)
One of the most disturbing elements of this graphic novel depiction of real events in the 1970s is that it still feels so damn contemporary and relevant. The number of prisons has only grown; the effects of racial bias in the justice system are still prominent.
Instead of negotiating a peaceful resolution, the NY governor (Nelson Rockefeller), with the support of the president (Richard Nixon), stormed the prison and shot inmates and hostages alike. The hostages were guards, and some were shot several times — but the officials then claimed the hostages were killed by the inmates and the press obligingly reported the disinformation/ misinformation.
You can call the events at Attica a prison riot, a protest, or a rebellion against mistreatment. You can call the reaction by the authorities a massacre. The authorities called it necessary, called it "law and order" but the courts did not agree. The inmates did not have firearms, and most were shot in the back.
This is a difficult book to read, in that the content is incredibly disturbing. Warning—scenes of torture.
Lawsuits after this event took decades to resolve, but the government was eventually ordered to pay for the abuse of inmates and the horrendous retribution inflicted on Frank Smith and others.
May 20, 2022
Outstanding non-fiction graphic novel from authors Frank "Big Black" Smith, Jared Reinmuth and illustrator Ameziane. Historical story covering the early 1970's prison riots at Attica State Prison in upstate New York. Part comic book superhero feel while telling a sophisticated, difficult story of the abuse prisoners were subjected to in Attica. And the man, Frank "Big Black" Smith who survived prison, the Attica ordeal, and went on to seek justice upon his release. This story was made for the graphic novel genre. It got under my skin in a very good way. Must-read.
5/20/2022: Hosted author Jared Reinmuth at our library last evening. He's a remarkable story teller. A real honor to have him talk about the journey he's had with Frank, Améziane, the book, and the story of the Attica prisoners.
5/20/2022: Hosted author Jared Reinmuth at our library last evening. He's a remarkable story teller. A real honor to have him talk about the journey he's had with Frank, Améziane, the book, and the story of the Attica prisoners.
July 26, 2020
Big Black: Stand at Attica is an absolutely essential read. It follows Big Black, who was part of a group of prisoners demanding humane treatment at Attica Prison I’m the 1970s. This graphic novel is partially about Big Black’s life, history, lessons, and perspectives, and it’s partially about the history, legislation, and culture leading up to the rebellion that made such a rebellion necessary - and, unfortunately, makes it clear that the horrifying military response wasn’t surprising.
I loved learning about Big Black’s life, his family. There were also incredibly important historical, cultural, and sociology-political facts included that make this a must-read in my book. Readers will encounter the PPP cycle - prison to parole to prison - and start to really see the modern-day slavery system that our incarceration is.
We also get to learn about the response to this atrocity and how activism and perseverance can start to change a system. The last quotation is, “Wake up, because nothing comes to a sleeper but a dream! The struggle continues!” It’s a reminder - a plea - for us to see that this was not an isolated incident and we must continue to take up this fight. Black and Brown, including Indigenous, people are incarcerated with a frequency and severity that white people will never face, and this is, without a doubt, the way the system was designed to work. Big Black: Stand at Attica is a deeply moving, deeply igniting graphic novel that I hope to buy for my own collection. It’s important, engrossing, and tells the story of a true hero.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this advance copy.
I loved learning about Big Black’s life, his family. There were also incredibly important historical, cultural, and sociology-political facts included that make this a must-read in my book. Readers will encounter the PPP cycle - prison to parole to prison - and start to really see the modern-day slavery system that our incarceration is.
We also get to learn about the response to this atrocity and how activism and perseverance can start to change a system. The last quotation is, “Wake up, because nothing comes to a sleeper but a dream! The struggle continues!” It’s a reminder - a plea - for us to see that this was not an isolated incident and we must continue to take up this fight. Black and Brown, including Indigenous, people are incarcerated with a frequency and severity that white people will never face, and this is, without a doubt, the way the system was designed to work. Big Black: Stand at Attica is a deeply moving, deeply igniting graphic novel that I hope to buy for my own collection. It’s important, engrossing, and tells the story of a true hero.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this advance copy.
February 1, 2024
I picked this up because I wanted to know more about Frank "Big Black" Smith after I watched the Attica documentary, which gives a very good, contextual reporting of the conditions that led to the uprising and the horrific massacre, as well as documenting the events of the uprising and criminally violent retaking of the prison. This graphic novel also does a good job of representing the uprising and massacre, but because I got that from the documentary first I wish this book had focused more on Frank "Big Black" Smith, and on the decades-long legal battle. I can't fault the book, and it does give us a few panels each about his childhood, how he got to Attica, his life after prison, and the legal battle. I just want I guess like a feature film.about Frank "Big Black" Smith. I am so grateful to him for sharing his story.
Taking off 1 star because there were parts of the layout and art that made things difficult to follow.
Taking off 1 star because there were parts of the layout and art that made things difficult to follow.
July 1, 2020
The idea of having the Attica prison riot played out through a graphic novel, doesn't seem like the obvious choice. But after consuming this, I want to experience more history through this form. Being able to witness, rather than have scenes described to me, made me feel closer to the story and the people that were a part of it.
April 20, 2021
I appreciate the journey that this graphic novel took me on. It's definitely a powerful & important piece of history that needs to be told. As a lot of what happened still has existing aftermath to this day. My only struggle with the novel (due to the medium, not the story itself) was that I wanted more detail and I wanted more moments extrapolated a bit more. But I'm sure I can get that via another piece of literature. I will say that this has definitely convicted me to learn more about this critical moment in history.
July 8, 2020
It's truly wonderful that Frank Smith, security head during the Attica revolution and later the representative of the Attica victims in a class-action lawsuit, was able to direct the telling of this comic, and for that alone, I think it should be read. The comic medium really excels at these historical reconstructions, such as in Joe Sacco's Safe Area Gorazde. However, I was often unclear about what was occurring in various scenes, and a lot of the blocking and panel layouts make it unclear where people are in the prison, who they're talking to, or the context of the scene we're viewing. There's also an overwhelming amount of talking head scenes that are then interspersed by these silent transition scenes that often feel disconnected from the main narrative, and seem to largely serve as a breather before another onslaught of talking head pages. The artist cites Frank Miller as an influence and the use of media is an obvious element of that Dark Knight Returns era device. It's used effectively here to display the role news agencies had in circulating lies about the conditions in the prison for hostages and ultimately how the hostages were killed by their own folks rather than those incarcerated. I think this is a useful primer into the Attica revolution, but due to issues of clarity, it falls short of being a seminal non-fiction comic, which this story deserves and perhaps will one day get.
May 22, 2020
The Attica prison riot/revolution was a terrible event, and through the eyes of "Big Black," one of the key prisoners involved, it should become only more heartbreaking. But busy storytelling and busier artwork in Big Black: Stand at Attica cover up the pathos.
I mean, sure, the many pages of violent, racist, bulging-eye police officers gunning down and torturing black prisoners are rough to read. But the actual story of the event is mired in stilted dialogue, talking heads, and random bouts of Big Black's narration. The authors should have gone full graphic memoir, full graphic history, or full graphic historical novel. Instead, we get a poorly illustrated mix of all three.
I mean, sure, the many pages of violent, racist, bulging-eye police officers gunning down and torturing black prisoners are rough to read. But the actual story of the event is mired in stilted dialogue, talking heads, and random bouts of Big Black's narration. The authors should have gone full graphic memoir, full graphic history, or full graphic historical novel. Instead, we get a poorly illustrated mix of all three.
March 20, 2020
I finally understand the immediacy of the John Lennon song "Attica State." I didn't realize all of this had gone down, and unless you were actively following prisoners' rights in 1971, I'll bet you didn't either. This is a moving and educational comic depicting what hate and unchecked power looks like in the prison system.
August 6, 2020
I’d briefly heard of what happened at Attica in 1971, but nothing in such vivid detail like this. Although the writing was all over the place at times I found this to be an extremely informative, harrowing and hauntingly disturbing piece that reeks of relevant injustices of white supremacy
February 23, 2022
It's self serving and biased, but at least it's well written and moves along.
April 29, 2023
Highest recommendation: this book gets you under the skin of a soul behind what I only knew as a news story since 1971.
Read this.
Thank you, Fulton County Public Library, for the loan.
Read this.
Thank you, Fulton County Public Library, for the loan.
February 16, 2020
The dawn of Trump
This story could only be told in this visual format. I've read other accounts including Jim Ingram's unpublished manuscript that was destroyed in a suspicious house fire but words are insufficient to describe the inhumanity of the"legal" enforcement of "justice."
This story could only be told in this visual format. I've read other accounts including Jim Ingram's unpublished manuscript that was destroyed in a suspicious house fire but words are insufficient to describe the inhumanity of the"legal" enforcement of "justice."
June 15, 2020
I had been anticipating this GN since I heard about it's upcoming publication last fall. I highly recommend even if you know about the Attica Prison Uprising. It is still a worthwhile read especially with the focus on Frank Smith. The torture and racism feels not like a piece of past history that we have grown beyond through education and understanding but like the more things change the more they stay the same. However depressing the courage, and righteousness of Frank Smith, Richard X and others involved in the uprising is truly inspirational.
February 10, 2021
I grew up in NY and though I was only 12 I remember the Attica uprising. This book is an interesting intro to the story and people should certainly read it if they know nothing of this history, but even though it was written quite a while ago I’d recommend Blood in the Water by Heather Ann Thompson.
As in depth account as was able to be gotten at the time it was written. I read it when it first came out and there are still visions in my brain.
As in depth account as was able to be gotten at the time it was written. I read it when it first came out and there are still visions in my brain.
July 28, 2020
I was familiar with Attica from Democracy Now interviews with Heather Ann Thompson and David Rothenberg.
An important story, from a crucial point of view. Very fucked up but still inspiring.
The layouts were so weird I have to guess that the publisher messed up. Maybe it was drawn for a landscape style book?
An important story, from a crucial point of view. Very fucked up but still inspiring.
The layouts were so weird I have to guess that the publisher messed up. Maybe it was drawn for a landscape style book?
February 24, 2024
I am beyond disappointed in this book. I was so excited to find an easy, approachable book that covered the Attica Brothers story - and authored by Frank Smith no less! This was my selection for "read a history book by a BIPOC author" from this year's Read Harder challenge. I could not have been more excited until I started reading the forward, which mentions that Frank Smith died in 2007. This book was written in 2020. How can a book be "written by Jared Reinmuth and Frank “Big Black” Smith himself", as is attested in the blurb from the publisher, if Frank Smith had been dead for 13 years? With a little more digging, I found a New York Times Article, "A Graphic Novel Remembers Attica" by George Gene Gustines in February 2020. Jared Reinmuth, who is listed as a secondary author of this graphic novel, is interviewed for the article. An excerpt reads:
"The Reinmuths were friends with Smith and his wife, Pearl. [ . . .] "He was such a wonderful storyteller," Reinmuth said. "He would captivate you," he added, "but he didn't really write things down." Reinmuth, however, took copious notes. The result was a screenplay, but a friend suggested that the story might work as a graphic novel."
It feels entirely dishonest to list Smith as an author of this story, when the true author is an affluent white man. These are not Smith's words. At best, this is a book based on Smith's storytelling. At worst, this is false advertisement to profit off someone's misfortune while literally putting words in their mouth.
This is an important story to learn. I will be seeking other writings where the authorships is more clearly explained.
"The Reinmuths were friends with Smith and his wife, Pearl. [ . . .] "He was such a wonderful storyteller," Reinmuth said. "He would captivate you," he added, "but he didn't really write things down." Reinmuth, however, took copious notes. The result was a screenplay, but a friend suggested that the story might work as a graphic novel."
It feels entirely dishonest to list Smith as an author of this story, when the true author is an affluent white man. These are not Smith's words. At best, this is a book based on Smith's storytelling. At worst, this is false advertisement to profit off someone's misfortune while literally putting words in their mouth.
This is an important story to learn. I will be seeking other writings where the authorships is more clearly explained.
September 29, 2020
Oh, this was a hard book. Based on the life of Frank "Big Black" Smith and the prison riot at Attica State Prison in New York on September 13, 1971. The inmates were protesting the inhumane treatment they received in prison, asking for better sanitation (each man was allowed one roll of toilet paper per month), better food quality (they asked for fresh fruit every day). They took prisoners of the staff and demanded improvements. Rockefeller sent in the New York State Police who dropped tear gas from helicopters and stormed the prison with shotguns. 29 inmates and nine hostages were killed, many shot in the back.
I learned that false news is not new to this generation; media erroneously reported that the inmates slit the throats of their hostages, which turned public opinion against the uprising. I learned that white police and corrections officers targeted black inmates, including Big Black, in the take down and in the days that followed. There was little respect for the prisoners who were not treated as human beings. This uprising was indeed, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has noted, was "the language of the unheard."
I never knew about this incident so I am thankful to have been educated about it, but to be honest I felt sick to my stomach by the time I had finished reading this. The brutality and inhumanity was powerfully portrayed in this book. We need to read about these incidents to understand. Then we need to change.
I learned that false news is not new to this generation; media erroneously reported that the inmates slit the throats of their hostages, which turned public opinion against the uprising. I learned that white police and corrections officers targeted black inmates, including Big Black, in the take down and in the days that followed. There was little respect for the prisoners who were not treated as human beings. This uprising was indeed, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. has noted, was "the language of the unheard."
I never knew about this incident so I am thankful to have been educated about it, but to be honest I felt sick to my stomach by the time I had finished reading this. The brutality and inhumanity was powerfully portrayed in this book. We need to read about these incidents to understand. Then we need to change.
July 22, 2020
"Attica prison uprising" is a historic event that took place on 9-13 September, 1971. Incidentally, a big event in the life of Frank Big Black Smith.
The book depicts what happened during the rebellion, the way tv broadcasted it, how people took it, how the inmates fought for justice and how they carry the nightmares to this day...
The story touched me. I could feel the toxic air of racism inflicted on the black people while reading this book.
Quotes from the book that touched me -
At first, I was losing track of few events while reading. Then I was glued to the story. The writing was simple and covered important events. It showed how a struggle never ends. The illustration was dynamic. You can see the terror on a face and the face that caused the terror through the illustration - and get an intuition of the situation there...
A good book to travel to a historic event. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me the ebook!
The book depicts what happened during the rebellion, the way tv broadcasted it, how people took it, how the inmates fought for justice and how they carry the nightmares to this day...
The story touched me. I could feel the toxic air of racism inflicted on the black people while reading this book.
Quotes from the book that touched me -
"They come in angry and this place makes them angrier"
"How many times can we die when the massacre comes?"
"We no longer wish to be treated as numbers. We want to be treated as human beings."
"The wild cruel beast is not behind the bars of the cages. He is in front of it." - Eldridge Cleaver
At first, I was losing track of few events while reading. Then I was glued to the story. The writing was simple and covered important events. It showed how a struggle never ends. The illustration was dynamic. You can see the terror on a face and the face that caused the terror through the illustration - and get an intuition of the situation there...
A good book to travel to a historic event. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me the ebook!
July 9, 2020
I've always wanted to learn more about the Attica uprising. It's always used as a reference for bloody violence in popular film and literature yet so little is known or taught about the horrible massacre that occurred in 1971. This graphic novel about Frank "Big Black" Smith couldn't have been released at a more relevant time. This book is heartbreaking, raw, and truthfully graphic in depicting the inhumanity Rockerfeller waged on the inmates at Attica. The cruelty and torture Frank was subjected to in the aftermath of the massacre is sickening. The government and media used Frank and the other inmates as scapegoats to coverup the 43 murders that took place on that horrible day.
It is a perfect representation of the destructiveness of white supremacy, the many things wrong with the prison industrial complex, and the devastating effects racism can have on the mind, body, and soul. This story is heavy, but it is so necessary to learn about. I've added a few more books on this event to my 'to read' list.
It is a perfect representation of the destructiveness of white supremacy, the many things wrong with the prison industrial complex, and the devastating effects racism can have on the mind, body, and soul. This story is heavy, but it is so necessary to learn about. I've added a few more books on this event to my 'to read' list.
July 7, 2020
I received a copy of Big Black: Stand at Attica from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
First off this is a very heavy book and deals with some really trigging topics such as racism, PTSD, Physical and mental abuse, and body mutilation, so please be warned before reading this.
I really didn't know what to expect from this graphic novel since I have only heard the name Attica before and knew it was a prison but I knew nothing about the riots or how much it played a part in the civil rights movement. The book follows the Attica prison riot that took place in the '70s and one particular inmate named Big Black who was a central figure during it and the absolute horrors he survived during them, as well as the extreme mental aftermath he had to deal with.
Like I said this was a very heavy book that at times was kind of hard to read but it is also an import book to read especially in the times that we are in now.
First off this is a very heavy book and deals with some really trigging topics such as racism, PTSD, Physical and mental abuse, and body mutilation, so please be warned before reading this.
I really didn't know what to expect from this graphic novel since I have only heard the name Attica before and knew it was a prison but I knew nothing about the riots or how much it played a part in the civil rights movement. The book follows the Attica prison riot that took place in the '70s and one particular inmate named Big Black who was a central figure during it and the absolute horrors he survived during them, as well as the extreme mental aftermath he had to deal with.
Like I said this was a very heavy book that at times was kind of hard to read but it is also an import book to read especially in the times that we are in now.
June 1, 2020
Living in New York, I know that there was a conflict at Attica but I didn't know much more. This adult graphic novel biography is equal parts informational nonfiction about the event itself told by a man who made it out alive, but just barely. Abused in prison and emotionally beaten afterward as he fought for justice against the politicians sitting in their ivory towers, "Big Black" was the kind of voice that should and could tell the story of what happened on the inside while providing context of what was happening outside.
The panel movement is full of action to demonstrate the danger and immediacy of what was happening and the four days of the standoff itself is intense. This is certainly one to discuss prison injustices, Rockefeller's political dealings (and the subsequent Rockefeller drug laws), and prison rights.
The panel movement is full of action to demonstrate the danger and immediacy of what was happening and the four days of the standoff itself is intense. This is certainly one to discuss prison injustices, Rockefeller's political dealings (and the subsequent Rockefeller drug laws), and prison rights.
June 20, 2021
I have to be honest, besides the famous movie quote “Attica! Attica!” and the knowledge that it was a prison riot, I knew nothing more about this moment in history. I was glad to learn more about this incident, from the POV of Big Black, an inmate at Attica during those fateful days in 1971.
My biggest issue with this graphic novel is that the story is confusing - too many people involved in it’s telling, especially if this your first foray into prison history. The words, at times, are poorly placed on the page for easy reading. The panels sometimes cover across two pages and it’s tough to know which order they are to be read in.
My other, minor, issue, is that I wonder where Reinmuth came to find sources for conversations had by prison employees outside of Big Black’s awareness. I recognize, though, that this book is not meant to be neutral. It is meant to tell the story through the struggles of the inmates at Attica.
My biggest issue with this graphic novel is that the story is confusing - too many people involved in it’s telling, especially if this your first foray into prison history. The words, at times, are poorly placed on the page for easy reading. The panels sometimes cover across two pages and it’s tough to know which order they are to be read in.
My other, minor, issue, is that I wonder where Reinmuth came to find sources for conversations had by prison employees outside of Big Black’s awareness. I recognize, though, that this book is not meant to be neutral. It is meant to tell the story through the struggles of the inmates at Attica.
June 3, 2021
Five stars for graphic novelizing this event to make it more accessible and for its ability to capture a very chaotic and violent event that has been largely forgotten.
3 stars for the flow and layout of the paneling. Many panels overlapped pages by tiny amounts but the storyboard did not always flow to the next page...but then sometimes it did. This made it very hard to determine if the reader was reading a single or double page spread I’d find myself reading panels out of order frequently and I am a graphic novel reader who doesn’t typically have that problem.
Other reviewers mention that this was not comprehensive enough and only served to whet the appetite. I think this was the point, particularly given the list of further reading and watching at the back.
3 stars for the flow and layout of the paneling. Many panels overlapped pages by tiny amounts but the storyboard did not always flow to the next page...but then sometimes it did. This made it very hard to determine if the reader was reading a single or double page spread I’d find myself reading panels out of order frequently and I am a graphic novel reader who doesn’t typically have that problem.
Other reviewers mention that this was not comprehensive enough and only served to whet the appetite. I think this was the point, particularly given the list of further reading and watching at the back.
January 20, 2021
The 1971 uprising, and subsequent massacre, of Black prisoners at Attica Prison in New York State to this day stands as one of the bloodiest civil rights confrontations in American history. I absolutely want to read and learn more about this atrocious event and about prisoner reform in general (if you have any suggestions, let ‘em loose in the comments!!).
My takeaway: I borrowed this graphic novel in ebook form from Hoopla and read it on my Kindle Fire HD 8. Perhaps this had something to do with the bizarre jumping back-and-forth along the timeline, as well as many other confusing formatting issues. I suspect not, however, based on other reviews – of the print version – with this same complaint. Unfortunately, I do believe this flaw seriously detracted from the effect of this tragic memoir.
Ultimately, I’d hoped to find so much more between these pages than I did... in the end, my own expectations did me in. As per usual.
*sigh*
My takeaway: I borrowed this graphic novel in ebook form from Hoopla and read it on my Kindle Fire HD 8. Perhaps this had something to do with the bizarre jumping back-and-forth along the timeline, as well as many other confusing formatting issues. I suspect not, however, based on other reviews – of the print version – with this same complaint. Unfortunately, I do believe this flaw seriously detracted from the effect of this tragic memoir.
Ultimately, I’d hoped to find so much more between these pages than I did... in the end, my own expectations did me in. As per usual.
*sigh*
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