As It Happens Special Episode: Free Joan Little
Dec 7, 2025
Filmmaker Yoruba Richen joins to discuss her documentary on Joan Little, the first woman acquitted of murder for self-defense against sexual assault in 1975. Richen dives into Little's challenging upbringing and the systemic injustices she faced. They highlight key evidence that reframed the trial, the united activism that supported Little, and how stereotypes threatened her credibility. Richen connects these historical struggles to today’s social justice movements, emphasizing the importance of solidarity across diverse groups.
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Discovery Through Rosa Parks Project
- Yoruba Richen discovered Joan(e) Little's story while making her Rosa Parks documentary and found Rosa Parks had helped start a Free Joanne Little committee.
- That early connection inspired Richen to expand the story into a standalone film because the case faded from public memory.
Self-Defense Against Systemic Abuse
- Joanne Little testified that guard Clarence Alligood demanded sex with an ice pick in hand and she stabbed him in self-defence.
- Multiple women corroborated that Alligood had a pattern of demanding sexual favours from inmates.
Legal Strategy And Community Mobilization
- Lawyers Jerry Paul and Karen Bethia Shields took Joanne's defence, moved the trial to Raleigh and organized a broad public campaign.
- Local activist Larry Little led the Free Joanne Little Defense Committee to raise funds and national awareness.
