Long Live the Spirit of Attica
Artist
Designer Unknown
Date1973
Dimensions17 x 11 in. (43.2 x 27.9 cm)
ClassificationsPoster
Credit LinePoster House Permanent Collection
Object numberPH.8031
DescriptionThe central image in this poster is a photograph of Elliott James “L.D.” Barkley, taken during negotiations in the 1971 uprising and subsequent lethal crackdown at the Attica Correctional Facility in Attica, New York. Barkley was a 21-year-old leader in the uprising chosen by fellow inmates to represent the interests of those in A-block. A talented orator, he spoke to the press on the evening of September 9. He was among those who were killed during the subsequent raid. Barkley became a martyr for activists and advocates of social justice. His words would be used countless times to invoke solidarity. After his body was released to his family, his funeral was held at AMEZ (the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church), a 142-year-old institution in Western New York that had historic ties to Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass. Barkley’s original crime was cashing a forged money order for $124.60 when he was 18. Released from Elmira Reformatory four years later, he was then arrested for violating his parole by driving without a license. This infraction resulted in him being sent to Attica, a maximum-security prison.On View
On view
