Black August is known for the freedom fighters of the black community. It is one of the months celebrated with much importance untamed in African American culture. It is commemorated in the remembrance of owing to the battles, suffering, and heroic struggles of Black people. This month is not just a remembrance of the past, but a sign of continuous liberation, a call for justice, and a struggle against oppression.
To support black community, Success Is Us celebrates black community events, like the Black Month. We also promote black-owned businesses and the achievements of their community. As our mission is to support them, we honor Black freedom fighters this year, too.
Here you will learn the history of Black August and its meaning. So, let’s shed light on the history of Black August and its commemoration.
History Behind Black August
In 1970, California penal system, just the beginning of Black August. Inside the California penal system, Black August was a movement pioneered by prisoners in an effort to pay tribute to the deceased Black activists and political prisoners. It was created by inmates of the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army to commemorate martyrs and draw the public’s attention to the political prisoners.
George Jackson is one of the well-known people associated with the beginning of this Black month. He was the member of Black Panther Party, which prison officers eliminated on August 21, 1971. The activists, including Jackson’s brother Jonathan Jackson, as well as others who were killed, are annually honored during Black August. Just such a death and its context of violent repression helps to clarify the Black activist’s situation by providing a period of reflection, education, and activity.
Why We Celebrate Black August As A Black History Month
Commemoration of Black Month is not only meant to celebrate their sacrifices but also to raise awareness, honor black fallen heroes, spread love and peace, promote unity, and encourage people.
Therefore, we celebrate the lives and legacies of those who have offered their lives for Black liberation. Some of the well-known leaders of the movement were George Jackson, Jonathan Jackson, and others belonging to the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army. Those are great examples of bravery and socio-political oppression.
This month also educates people on political prisoners’ situations and the hardships of the Black liberation movement. It is also a month to unite the African American people and all people who support the rightful struggle for legalizing black people. Regarding experiential learning, organizations have released Black August lectures and movies. This type of content helps Black people unite and feel a common goal. Apart from commemorating history and reflecting on it, Black August also promotes people’s activism in the present.
Celebrating the Contribution of Black People in American History
The celebration of Black Month is always memorable. However, some of the activities that people hold include fasting and reading books by the black revolutionaries or by Fred Hampton and George Jackson. People also host functions that bring out the history of the black liberation struggle. Some people play the role of activism in some ways, like writing letters to political prisoners or holding demonstrations or rallies.
Thus, when commemorating Black August, we not only draw attention to the facts and history but also make a commitment to a future when freedom and justice will reign. It is a time for recalling the real and alleged oppression of black people and for raising people’s awareness of the necessity of the fight against racism.
