A Conversation with New York State Museum and CANY

Featuring

Aaron Noble, Senior Historian and Curator, Political and Military History, New York State Museum

and Tyrell Muhammad, Senior Advocate, Correctional Association of New York

Forgotten Victims of Attica: Even after 50 years, those most affected by the uprising are still seeking closure. The state has yet to formally acknowledge or apologize for its role in the loss of life and other harms done. These unresolved feelings inspired the name of the exhibit.

Why this Photo: Aaron Noble and Tyrell Muhammad discuss the primary image used for the Open Wounds exhibition. They reflect on the significance of creating a seat at the table for incarcerated men to voice their concerns

Grievances: Men incarcerated at Attica created a manifesto listing their demands of the prison system to be treated with humanity and dignity. This evolved into the grievance system in place today – an imperfect process by which incarcerated individuals may seek recourse.

Prison Reform: Aaron Noble and Tyrell Muhammad discuss how the events at Attica and the state’s lack of accountability afterwards has shaped the direction of prison reform.

Working Conditions: Aaron Noble talks about the impact of the cultural divide between those incarcerated at Attica and those employed by the correctional facility. Tyrrell Muhammad picks up on this theme, discussing the demographic and geographic disparities in incarceration in New York State.

50 Years Later: Tyrell Muhammad recounts his personal experiences at Attica, the harsh realities of incarceration, and what motivates him to do this work today.

Continuing the Conversation: Aaron Noble describes the important role that museums play in educating the public about prison conditions, conditions that CANY monitors and reports on to this day.