by Mama Ayanna Mashama
BLACK AUGUST: "Each year officially since 1979 we have used the month of August to focus on the oppressive treatment of our brothers and sisters disappeared inside the state run gulags and concentration camps America calls prisons. It is during this time that we concentrate our efforts to free our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts, and all other captive family and friends who have been held in isolation for decade after decade beyond their original sentence. Many of these individuals are held in the sensory deprivation and mind control units called Security Housing Units (S.H.U. Program), without even the most basic of human rights." - Black August Organizing Committee THE ROOTS OF BLACK AUGUST
Black August originated in the concentration camps (prisons) of California in 1979 and its' roots come from that history of resistance by Black/New African/African brothers in those prisons. It's original purpose is to honor and commemorate the lives and deaths of several fallen Freedom Fighters, amongst them were Jonathan Jackson, George Jackson, W.L. Nolan, James McClain, William Christmas and Khatari Gaulden; to bring unity among Black/African/New African prisoners, and education and awareness to family members, friends, associates and communites about the conditions for the Black/New Afrikan prisoners held within those concentration camps (in particular in California) and to educate our people about and honor the history and actions of continued resistance of Black/New Afrikan/Afrikan peoples to oppression, colonization and slavery in the U.S. and throughout the Diaspora, with particular emphasis on prisoners, freedom fighters and their historical acts of resistance.
The contemporary historical roots of Black August can be found in the actions of
Jonathan Jackson who 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 (who is still imprisoned in California to this day) is the sole survivor of the August 7th rebellion. He is the former co-defendant of Angela Davis and has been locked down for 40 plus years, most of it in solitary confinement in the SHU in Pelican Bay.
George Jackson was assassinated on August 21, 1971 by San Quentin prison guards. The assassination was a deliberate move on behalf of the US government to eliminate the revolutionary leadership of George Jackson. In the midst of the governments set up orchestrated to murder George, three prison guards were killed in a counter rebellion. The government charged six Black and Latino prisoners with the guard's deaths. These six brothers became known as the San Quentin Six (who were later acquitted of all charges).
Khatari Gaulden, one of the key intellectual architects of the Black August commemorative tradition, was a prominent leader of the Black Guerilla Family (BGF) after Comrade George was assassinated. Khatari was a leading force in the formation of Black August, particularly its historical and ideological foundations. Khatari, like many of the unnamed freedom fighters of the BGF and the revolutionary prison movement of the 1970's, was murdered. He was assassinated by the malicious intent of the government to deny him medical treatment following a mysterious accident on the San Quentin Prison yard August 1, 1978. He was murdered to eliminate his leadership and destroy the prison resistance movement.
THE ORIGINS OF BLACK AUGUST:
In the month Khatari's transition, to honor him and to honor these fallen soldiers and the revolutionary vision and principles they embodied, brothers throughout the prison camps of California united together to continue their revolutionary work. They shaved their heads, wore black arm bands and in unity with the Black Muslim prisoners during Ramadan, fasted from Sunrise to Sunset.
In August 1979, the first official Black August took place. The brothers and their family members, friends and supporters who participated in the collective founding of Black August wore black armbands on their left arm and studied revolutionary works, particularly those of Comrade George Jackson, many participated in the fasting for Ramadan. During 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. Support for the prison's canteen was also disavowed. The use of drugs and alcoholic beverages was prohibited and the brothers held daily exercises to sharpen their minds, bodies, and spirits in honor of the collective principles of self-sacrifice, inner fortitude and revolutionary discipline needed to advance the New Afrikan struggle for self-determination and freedom. Black August therefore became a commemorative time to embrace the principles of communion, unity, self-sacrifice, political education, physical training and determined resistance. A select few community members joined them in solidarity.
The intent among those who commemorated and practiced Black August was to educate ourselves, our families and communities about the conditions of our family and community members in prison and to create revolutionary consciousness and encourage the spirit of resistance among themselves and our communities. This was in order to unify and continue and grow a strong prison movement to unify, resist and change the conditions in the prisons and the conditions in our communities that were feed the growth of our people in the prisons and the very real growth of the prison industrial comples (PIC). "It is still a time to embrace the principles of unity, self-sacrifice, political education, physical fitness and/or training in martial arts, resistance and spiritual renewal", while unifying, organizing and strategizing for freedom for those family and community members behind the walls, and stop the program to have millions of our young people on the "classroom to prison pipeline".
August 1980; the Black August Organizing Committee (BAOC) held it's first Black August Commemoration event at Marcus Bookstore in San Francisco with a revolutionary film showing, statements from prisoners, poetry and collective breaking of the fast. Members of the National Black Human Rights Coalition, the New African Independance Movement, the Black Muslim community and local defense committees, joined us in solidarity and unity to participate in the event. All proceeds from the event were used to prison legal funds and to men and women prisoners in the California penal system. It was that year that family and community members came together and started the practice of Black August study groups and community gardens.
August 1981; BAOC held a Black August Commemorative Festival in San Antonio Park with speakers, edutainment, book sales and free food give aways. It was that year that Black August house fundraisers and education events began. Again all fundraising proceeds were distributed among prisoner legal funds and the brothers and sisters behind the walls.
August 1982; the first official Black August demonstration in front of San Quentin. 8It must be noted that the community had held demonstrations in front of San Quentin since the year of George Jackson's death.
THE BLACK AUGUST COMMEMORATION:
Black August is a month of education, resistance and is of great commemorative significance for the Afrikan peoples of the Diaspora, particularly those in the U.S. and especially the California prison isolation units, where the commemorative tradition originated. Black August , as noted by one our most dedicated New Afrikan Freedom Fighters, Mumia Abu-Jamal," is a month of divine meaning, of repression and radical resistance, of injustice and divine justice; of repression and righteous rebellion; of individual and collective efforts to free the slaves and break the chains that bind us".
The tradition of fasting, studying and education during Black August was developed to help instill self-discipline and unity amongst its' observers. The fast is also intended to serve as a constant reminder of the sacrifices of our fallen Freedom Fighters, the conditons that our people face in prison and the ongoing oppression of our people throughout the Diaspora. The commemorative fast is from sunrise to sunset (generally from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm). The fast includes refraining from drinking liquids and eating food of any kind. The meal to break the fast is shared whenever possible among comrades. Other forms of sacrifice are also encouraged to teach self-discipline and self-reflection, such as abstaining from sex or needless consumption (i.e. drug and alcohol use), refraining from listening to the corporate radio and watching corporate television . People are also encouraged to refrain from patronizing and using corporate businesses, gas stations, department stores, supermarkets and grocery stores. Traditionally a "Peoples' Feast" is held on August 31st to honor the fallen and acknowledge our collective sacrifices for the greater good.
Early on, the Black August practice and tradition also observed not only the sacrifices of the brothers in California's concentration camps, but to commemorate the acts of rebellion and resistance that occurred within the California Prison Camps and by other Black/New Afrikan prisoners, prisoners of war and freedom fighters. Within the first year(s) of Black August the sacrifices and struggles of our ancestors against white supremacy, colonialism, and imperialism were also included in the commemorative observation and practice.
*It must be clear that the purpose of Black August as created by the founders was not to celebrate, but to observe by individual and collective fasting, studying, educating and community work, as well as political and cultural edutainment.
Black August is a time to engage in self-reaffirming action to advance our struggle for self-determination and national liberation, and to commemorate actions of resistance, revolution and rebellion while promoting an understanding and awareness of what is happening to our people in prison and encouraging active and proactive acts of resistance. During Black August the community is encouraged to join in the observation and commemoration. Not only are the actions of self-discipline suggested, but also community members and community organizations are encouraged to come together, study and educate one another about resistance and liberation past and present through studying, discussion, reading, DVD sharing, cultural edutainment, exercising, training and breaking fast together. Black August study groups are encouraged.
It is strongly suggested that we should write and/or visit someone in prison, to fund raise for and donate to the prisoners, political prisoners and prisoners of war.
THE OBSERVATION AND COMMEMORATION OF BLACK AUGUST:
To observe and commemorate Black August each individual is encouraged to:
Fast for a suggested prolonged period or if really disciplined drink only water from sunrise until after sunset from the 1st until the 31st (Suggested hours are 8am to 6pm);
Eat only one meal a day after sunset; On days called flea days, (1st, 7th, 13th and 21st), fast 24 hours until next sunset.
*Work out an exercise routine for each day either individually or in groups.
*Do not use any drugs, smoke or ingest mind altering herbs or alcoholic beverages during the entire month.
*Do not go to any corporate store for anything other than medical or health related items.
*Do not watch TV or listen to radio from sunrise to sunset
Do not watch corporate television or movies at all
*Do not patronize fast food or commercial eating establishments or vendors.
*Eat healthy, natural and nutritious foods, beverages and meals.
*Observe Black August through educational study groups, educational events, edutainment and commemorations.
*Contribute monies made from Black August events to men, women and youth in prison or prisoner legal funds
*Educate your family, community and loved ones about what is happening to our people in prisons.
*Visit and/or write someone in prison or jail. It is suggested to also write and support our political prisoners and prisoners of consciousness (this practice should be continued all year)
BLACK AUGUST FASTING:
Black August fasting is a New Afrikan tradition begun by the brothers inside that serves as a constant reminder of the sacrafices made and the conditions our people have faced and still face. Fasting mentally disciplines us to control urges and the physical craving for food; fasting helps us endure physical pain and discomfort. It is a reminder of what our Ancestars endured working as captives in the fields of the colonizers. Ultimately physical strength can be gained from fasting if a regular exercise program is developed and continued beyond August. Also fasting increases one's abilities to break other addictions, like excessive cursing, and watching television. Fasting is uncomfortable at times, but it helps to remember all those who have come and gone before us.
FASTING HEALTH NOTE: IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR A BREASTFEEDING MOTHER; HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE OR PRE-HYPERTENSIVE; IF YOU ARE A DIABETIC OR PRE-DIABETIC; IF YOU HAVE A SERIOUS ILLNESS THAT NECESSITATES THAT YOU TAKE MEDICATIONS; IF YOU HAVE ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH YOUR KIDNEYS, BLADDER OR LIVER, IF YOU ARE MENSTRUATING, DO NOT ABSTAIN FROM DRINKING WATER, DO NOT FAST FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET! Instead, drink plenty of water, fruit and vegetable juices and eat small meals consisting of fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts and raw salads during the day so that you keep yourself nourished, sustained and healthy. Do not partake of a fast without medical supervision or consulting with your health practicitioner.
THE MOVEMENT OF BLACK AUGUST:
In the early 1980's under the leadership and practice of the Black August Organizing Committee (BAOC), the observance and practice of Black August spread from the concentration camps of California and began being practiced by Black/New Afrikan revolutionaries throughout the country .
In alliance with the BAOC, members of the New Afrikan Independence Movement (NAIM) began practicing and spreading Black August during this period. The Malcolm X Grassroots Movement (MXGM) inherited knowledge and practice of Black August from its parent organization, the New Afrikan People's Organization (NAPO). MXGM began introducing the Hip-Hop "generation" to Black August in the late 1990's after being inspired by the Cuban based New Afrikan political exile Nehanda Abiodun to start "Black August Hip Hop" benefit concerts to raise awareness about our captured and exiled Freedom Fighters, our Political Prisoners, Prisoners of War, and Political Exiles like Hugo Pinell, Ruchel Magee, Mutulu Shakur, Sundiata Acoli, Sekou Odinga, the NY 3, the Move 9, Assata Shakur, and dozens more. The benefits from these political/cultural events go to the political prisoner's and their legal funds.
In the spirit of Black August organizations are encouraged to have political, cultural and educational events and not celebrations or parties. Commemoration and observance is a totally different action than celebration and partying. Black August was designed and brought to our communities to educate, agitate and activate the spirit of revolution, resistance and rebellion in our people. Along with the Black August Organizing Committee, MXGM other organizations and individuals are now observing and commemorating Black August all over the U.S. and the Diaspora including Oakland, San Francisco, New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallis, Austin, New Orleans, Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti, Tanzania, South Africa and Brazil.
A sampling of the racist oppression and "righteous rebellion" and "resistance to repression" that define this commemorative month include:
*The arrival of the first enslaved Afrikans to Jamestown, Virginia in August 1619;
*The start of the great Haitian revolution in August 1791;
*The call for a general strike by enslaved New Afrikans by Henry Highland Garnett on August 22nd1843;
*The initiation of the major network that conducted the Underground Railroad on August 2, 1850;
*Gabriel Prosser's rebellion of August 30th, 1800.;
*The rebellion of Nat "the Prophet" Turner on August 21st, 1831;
*On August 3, 1908, the Allensworth Township for former slaves was established in California;
*The March on Washington occurred in August of 1963;
*The Watts rebellion of August 1965;
*The defense of the Provisional Government of the Republic of New Afrika (PG – RNA) from a FBI assault in Mississippi on August 18, 1971;
*The attack of the MOVE family by Philadelphia police on August 8, 1978.
Black August is also a commemorative month of birth and transition. Dr. Mutulu Shakur (New Afrikan prisoner of war), Pan-Africanist Leader Marcus Garvey, Maroon Russell Shoatz (political prisoner) and Chicago Black Panther Party Chairman Fred Hampton were born in August. The great New Afrikan revolutionary scholar and theoretician W.E.B. Dubois died in Ghana on August 27, 1963. Khatari Gant the son of Original Black August Organizing Committee Members Mama Ayanna and Shaka At-Thinnin was murdered on August 4, 2007.
REMEMBER AND COMMEMORATE THE MONTH OF BLACK AUGUST.
BLACK AUGUST RESISTANCE!
References:
Portions of this writing were taken from historical articles written by:
The Original Black August Organizing Committee
Baba Shaka At-Thinnin
Mama Ayanna Mashama
The Malcolm X Grassroots Movement
Javad Jahi
FASTING HEALTH NOTE:
IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR A BREASTFEEDING MOTHER; HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE OR PRE-HYPERTENSIVE; IF YOU ARE A DIABETIC OR PRE-DIABETIC; IF YOU HAVE A SERIOUS ILLNESS THAT NECESSITATES THAT YOU TAKE MEDICATIONS; IF YOU HAVE ONGOING PROBLEMS WITH YOUR KIDNEYS, BLADDER OR LIVER, IF YOU ARE MENSTRUATING, DO NOT ABSTAIN FROM DRINKING WATER, DO NOT FAST FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET! Instead, drink plenty of water, fruit and vegetable juices and eat small meals consisting of fresh fruit and vegetables and raw salads during the day so that you keep yourself nourished, sustained and healthy. Do not partake of a fast without medical supervision or consulting with your health practicitioner.
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