Big Black: Stand at Attica Frank "Big Black" Smith 9781684154791

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.


About the Author
Frank "Big Black" Smith was a prisoner at Attica State Prison in 1971. He, along with other prisoners, led a rebellion against the injustices of the prison system which remains one of the bloodiest civil rights confrontations in American history. After the riots, he became one of the leading voices in the court case the prisoners brought against the state of New York.

Reviews
"The stellar artwork by Ameziane (Muhammad Ali) includes tabloidlike chapter openers rendered with bold fonts and exaggerated letterboxes. His expressive realism and muted colors invoke a nostalgic 1970s pulp effect reminiscent of Ed Piskor's work." * Publishers Weekly Starred Review *
"Sure to be one of the most discussed books this year." * Library Journal Starred Review *
"Vividly illustrates the uprising at Attica and emphasizes its important place in ongoing struggles for justice." * Shelf Awareness Starred Review *
"Don't sleep on "Stand at Attica"-I read it last night and was blown away... beautifully illustrated, carefully researched, and lovingly written. This is history brought alive." -- Andrew Aydin, co-author of Rep. John Lewis' March graphic novel trilogy
"This book grabs you on the first page and never lets you go. The heroism and the horror of Attica is all there... This is a must read book for everyone." -- Reginald Hudlin
"If you have an interest in history, memoir, social justice, or just the life of a good man in an extraordinary circumstance, you should track down a copy and experience the story directly." * Black Nerd Problems *
"If you have an interest in history, memoir, social justice, or just the life of a good man in an extraordinary circumstance, you should track down a copy and experience the story directly." * Black Nerd Problems *
"Big Black: Stand at Attica is a striking and powerful look at a dark chapter in American civil rights history." * Comic Book Resources *
"I found it painful to read in a single sitting because of the raw emotion of it. It's a tragic story, as are the events that shaped it. Written skillfully by Jared Reinmuth, drawn with purpose by Ameziane, Big Black: Stand at Attica is just a brilliantly done book." -- Jamal Igle, creator of Molly Danger and artist on Black
"Disturbing, horrifying, brutal, sad. Saddest of all, everything that happens within its pages...is still going on." -- Ho Che Anderson, King: A Comics Biography



Book Information
ISBN 9781684154791
Author Frank "Big Black" Smith
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint Archaia Studios Press
Publisher Archaia Studios Press
Weight(grams) 538g
Dimensions(mm) 259mm * 168mm * 10mm