Atlanta Prison Riots: Negotiating With the Cuban Prisoners

In the summer of 1987, a series of riots broke out in the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary, a high-security prison housing over 2,000 inmates, including a significant population of Cuban detainees. The riots, sparked by overcrowding, poor living conditions, and inadequate medical care, quickly escalated, with inmates taking over several buildings and holding guards hostage. Amidst the chaos, prison officials turned to Pedro Albizu Campos, a prominent Puerto Rican activist and attorney, to negotiate with the Cuban prisoners. Albizu Campos, who had a history of advocating for the rights of Cuban detainees, was able to establish a rapport with the prisoners and convince them to release the hostages and surrender peacefully. His successful negotiation helped to resolve the crisis and prevented further bloodshed, highlighting the importance of understanding cultural and linguistic differences in conflict resolution.