Black August

If you didn't look at the calender for the past 17 days now well your smack dab in the middle of August and you know what that means, Black August. Black August is a movement that began as a remembrance of a revolution, check out some info about it's creation below,

Black August originated in the concentration camps of California to honor fallen Freedom Fighters, Jonathan Jackson, George Jackson, William Christmas, James McClain and Khatari Gaulden. Jonathan Jackson was gunned down outside the Marin County California courthouse on August 7, 1970 as he attempted to liberate three imprisoned Black Liberation Fighters: James McClain, William Christmas and Ruchell Magee. 

Ruchell Magee is the sole survivor of that armed rebellion. He is the former co-defendant of Angela Davis and has been locked down for 40 years, most of it in solitary confinement. George Jackson was assassinated by prison guards during a Black prison rebellion at San Quentin on August 21, 1971. Three prison guards were also killed during that rebellion and prison officials charged six Black and Latino prisoners with the death of those guards. 

These six brothers became known as the San Quentin Six. To honor these fallen soldiers the brothers who participated in the collective founding of Black August wore black armbands on their left arm and studied revolutionary works, focusing on the works of George Jackson.
In the month of August the brothers did not listen to the radio or watch television. Additionally, they didn’t eat or drink anything from sun-up to sundown; and loud and boastful behavior was not allowed. The brothers did not support the prison’s canteen. The use of drugs and alcoholic beverages was prohibited and the brothers held daily exercises because during Black August emphasis is placed on sacrifice, fortitude and discipline. Black August is a time to embrace the principles of unity, self-sacrifice, political education, physical training and resistance. - From MXGM.org

Well each year for the last few years, The Malcom X Grassroots Movement puts on a series of events celebrating Black August. This year they put together a film festival, art show, and music showcase. The last two events resonates with me because of the inclusion of one of my favorite acts due to perform during both events, THEESatisfaction.

First up on the 20th they will be appearing at the Art show at the Brecht Forum. Art Auctioned off at the show will go to helping political prisoners.

The next event is

Each night is sure to please and go towards a good cause. So if your around check out these events.