The 1971 Attica prison riot gained lasting prominence mainly from the rampage of gunfire that ended it. Though the inmates had no guns, the state police and a few prison guards killed 29 inmates and 10 hostages and wounded 89 others. Law officers then tortured more than a thousand inmates who had surrendered. Racism fueled much of this violence.

Malcolm Bell, who was the chief assistant to the Attica special prosecutor, was assigned to prosecute law officers who committed these crimes - then blocked from continuing when he looked likely to succeed. Skyhorse Publishing is scheduled to publish this March a revised and updated edition to his 1985 book on his Attica experience, now titled The Attica Turkey Shoot: Carnage, Cover-Up and the Pursuit of Justice.

Bell will discuss the Attica uprising and the fallout which resonates today at Neighborhood Connections. This is offered at no charge but space is limited, so call 824-4343 to attend.