Black August began in the 1970s to mark the assassination of the imprisoned Black Panther, author, and revolutionary George Jackson during a prison rebellion in California. It is a time to honor political prisoners, freedom fighters (living and deceased) of the Black freedom struggle. The month of August is also rich with the history of Black resistance outside, from the Haitian Revolution to the Watts rebellion, Ferguson uprising and the Alabama Brawl that took place last year. Black August is a reminder of the power in unity and a mandate to continue a collective struggle. In addition, a nudge or whisper from the ancestors to engage in collective learning and organized resistance that leads to principled alignment as well as action. The journey to genuine liberation is rooted in collective learning, continuous education, and focused study.
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