Black August is a month-long observance that was first created in the California prison system in the 1970s to honor those who died fighting for Black liberation, specifically George and Jonathan Jackson, Khatari Gaulden, William Christmas, and James McClain. Black August is dedicated to the study of radical Black history in opposition to February’s Black history month, which focuses on well-known figures and events
Today is the first day of #BlackAugust!
In stark contrast to the highly commercialized Black History Month, Black August celebrates Black revolutionaries and their commitment to the liberation of Black people. pic.twitter.com/VjKlD7XWTV
— Divine Action (@divine_action) August 1, 2020
What inspired Black August?
On August 7, 1970, Jonathan Jackson was shot and killed while attempting to free three Black Liberation Fighters– James McClain, Ruchell Magee, and William Christmas- from the Marin County Courthouse in California. Magee was the only survivor .
One year later, on August 21, 1971, prison guards murdered George Jackson during a prison rebellion in San Quentin. Three guards were killed and six Latinx and Black prisoners (the San Quentin Six) were charged with their deaths.
Additionally, August is a month packed with notable Black historical events, including the inception of the Underground Railroad, the Watts Rebellion (1965), the March on Washington (1963) and the MOVE family bombing (1972).
According to advocates of Black August, the month is dedicated to self-discipline, self-determination, resistance, and remembrance of Black activists who fought for the liberation of their people. It is a reminder for Black people not to be satisfied with the America that they were given, and instead, to pick up the torches that their ancestors left behind.
we’re the most threatening to the maintenance of u.s empire and captialism. these stories never reach the masses. we have to amplify revolutionaries the government/media erase. visit https://t.co/kLXwadbGIn
— (@noname) July 30, 2020
