by Kevin ‘Rashid’ Johnson
Black August is a month designated to pay tribute to the true heroes, martyrs and history of New Afrikan (Black) people in our struggles for liberation against over 400 years of violent repression, suffering and exploitation that we have endured under the systems of bondage here in the Western Hemisphere.
Many important events that occurred and the lives of people who contributed to our struggles fell within the month of August and coincide with our need to know, remember and commemorate the people and events that have fed the flame of our struggle to yet be free.
The concept of Black August began in the California prison system in response to the assassinations of political prisoners and prisoners of war held there, such as George L. Jackson, W.L. Nolen, Jeffrey “Joka Khatari” Gaulden and others. Joka Khatari, a torchbearer of Comrade George Jackson, died on Aug. 1, 1978. He died at the hands of California prison officials at San Quentin who refused him medical care for head injuries sustained while playing football.
Since its early beginnings, Black August has grown to embrace many significant events and people in our history of struggles in Amerika, especially those that have occurred during the month of August.
But for these struggles and people and their sacrifices, we would not have survived until today. Black August cannot be looked upon lightly.
Black August is now observed each year by our people across the Diaspora.
Commemorating Black August is not simply a holiday observance, but a time of reflection, recognition, fortification, consciousness-building and inspiration. The events and people it pays tribute to demonstrated the greatest sacrifices and commitment and represent a higher awareness of and ongoing service to New Afrikans as a collective people, as a distinct nationality and community of people.
But for these struggles and people and their sacrifices, we would not have survived until today. Black August cannot be looked upon lightly.
Black August serves to instill practice and values in us that will develop our ways of thinking and being 365 days per year and to become the people of the liberated future that we are fighting to create for ourselves, for all oppressed peoples and especially for those that will come after us.
Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win!
All Power to the People!