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Documentary Revives Joan Little's Fight for Justice

11/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Joan Little was the first U.S. woman acquitted of murder on self-defense grounds in 1975 after stabbing a prison guard who tried to rape her.
Her case sparked a national movement for racial justice and women's rights.
A new documentary, Free Joan Little, chronicles her trial, the coalition including Angela Davis and the Black Panthers, and its premiere at the Doc NYC Film Festival.

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Story summary

Joan Little was the first U.S. woman acquitted of murder on self-defense grounds in 1975 after stabbing a prison guard who tried to rape her.
Her case sparked a national movement for racial justice and women's rights.
A new documentary, Free Joan Little, chronicles her trial, the coalition including Angela Davis and the Black Panthers, and its premiere at the Doc NYC Film Festival.