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BLACK AUGUST: THE TRUE HISTORY, CULTURE AND PRACTICE

by Mama Ayanna Mashama 

BLACK AUGUST: “Each year officially since 1979 we have used themonth of August to focus on the oppressive treatment of our brothers andsisters disappeared inside the state-run gulags and concentration camps Americacalls prisons. It is during this time that we concentrate our efforts to freeour mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts, and all other captivefamily and friends who have been held in isolation for decade after decadebeyond their original sentence. Many of these individuals are held in the sensorydeprivation and mind control units called Security Housing Units (S.H.U.Program), without even the most basic of human rights.” - Shaka At-ThinninBlack August Organizing Committee from "THE ROOTS OF BLACK AUGUST"

Black August originated in the concentration camps (prisons) ofCalifornia in 1979 and its' roots come from that history of resistance byBlack/New African/African brothers in those prisons. It's original andunchanging purpose is to:

Honor and commemorate the lives and deaths of several fallen FreedomFighters, 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 educationand awareness to family members, friends, associates and communities aboutthe conditions for the Black/New Afrikan prisoners held within thoseconcentration camps (in particular in California) and;

To educate our people about and honor the history and actions ofcontinued resistance of Black/New Afrikan/Afrikan peoples to oppression,colonization and slavery in the U.S. and throughout the Diaspora, withparticular emphasis on prisoners, political prisoners, freedom fighters and theirhistorical acts of resistance.

The contemporary historical roots of Black August can be found in theactions of:

Jonathan Jackson who was gunned down outside the Marin CountyCalifornia courthouse on August 7, 1970 as he attempted to liberatethree imprisoned Black Liberation Fighters: James McClain, WilliamChristmas and Ruchell Magee. Ruchell Magee (who is still imprisoned inCalifornia to this day) is the sole survivor of the August 7th rebellion. He isthe 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.

On January 13, 1970, W.L. Nolan, was assassinated when hewas shot to death by prison guards on the yard in California’sSoledad State Prison.

George Jackson was assassinated on August 21, 1971 by San Quentinprison guards. The assassination was a deliberate move on behalf ofthe US government to eliminate the revolutionary leadership of George Jackson.In the midst of the governments set up orchestrated to murder George, threeprison guards were killed in a counter rebellion. The government charged sixBlack and Latino prisoners with the guard’s deaths. These six brothers becameknown as the San Quentin Six (who were later acquitted of all charges).

Khatari Gaulden, was murdered by San Quentin PrisonGuards August 1, 1978. Khatari was one of the key intellectualarchitects of the Black August commemorative tradition and was a prominentleader of the Black Guerilla Family (BGF) after Comrade George wasassassinated. Khatari was a leading force in the formation of Black August,particularly its historical and ideological foundations. Khatari, like many ofthe unnamed freedom fighters of the BGF and the revolutionary prison movementof the 1970's, was murdered. He was assassinated by the malicious intent of thegovernment to deny him medical treatment following a mysterious accident on theSan Quentin Prison yard August 1, 1978. He was murdered to eliminate hisleadership and destroy the growing prison resistance movement.

THE ORIGINS OF BLACK AUGUST:

In the month following Khatari's transition, to honor him and tohonor these fallen soldiers and the revolutionary vision and principles theyembodied, brothers throughout the prison camps of California united together tocontinue their revolutionary work. Many of them shaved theirheads, they wore black arm bands and in unity with the Black Muslim prisonersduring Ramadan, fasted from Sunrise to Sunset.

In August 1979, the first official Black August took place.The brothers and political family members who participated in the collectivefounding of Black August wore black armbands on their left arm and studiedrevolutionary works, particularly those of Comrade George Jackson, manyparticipated in the fasting for Ramadan. During the month of August, thebrothers did not listen to the radio or watch television, additionally, theydidn't eat or drink anything from sun-up to sundown; and loud and boastfulbehavior was not allowed. Support for the prison's canteen was also disavowed.The use of drugs and alcoholic beverages was prohibited, and the brothers helddaily exercises to sharpen their minds, bodies, and spirits in honor of thecollective principles of self-sacrifice, inner fortitude and revolutionarydiscipline needed to advance the New Afrikan struggle for self-determinationand freedom. Black August therefore became a commemorative time for us toembrace the principles of communion, unity, self-sacrifice, politicaleducation, physical training and determined resistance. A select few communitymembers joined in solidarity.

"The intent among those of us who commemorated and practicedBlack August was to educate ourselves, our families and communities about theconditions of our family and community members in prison and to create revolutionaryconsciousness and encourage the spirit of resistance among themselves and ourcommunities." - Mama Ayanna.

This was in order to unify and continue and grow a strong prison movement toresist and change the conditions in the prisons and the conditions in ourcommunities that were feeding the growth of our people in the prisons and thevery real growth of the prison industrial complex (PIC). "It is still atime to embrace the principles of unity, self-sacrifice, political education,physical fitness and/or training in martial arts, resistance and spiritualrenewal", while unifying, organizing and creating strategies and sciencefor freedom for those family and community members behind the walls, ourpolitical prisoners and stop the program to have millions of our young peopleon the "classroom to prison pipeline".

August 1980; the Black August Organizing Committee (BAOC) heldits first Black August Commemoration event at Marcus Bookstore in San Franciscowith a revolutionary film showing, statements from prisoners,statements of unity and solidarity, poetry and collective breaking of the fast.Members of the National Black Human Rights Coalition, the New African IndependenceMovement, the Black Muslim community and local defense committees, joined us insolidarity and unity to participate in the event. All proceeds from the eventwere used for prison legal funds and sent to men and women prisoners in theCalifornia penal system. It was that year that family and community memberscame together and started the practice of Black August study groups andcommunity gardens.

August 1981; BAOC held a Black August Commemorative Festival inSan Antonio Park with speakers, edutainment, book sales and a freefood give away. It was that year that Black August house fundraisers andeducation events began. Again, all fundraising proceeds were distributed amongprisoner legal funds and sent to the brothers and sisters behind the walls. THISIS THE YEAR WE WON THE VICTORY OF DISMISSAL OF ALL CHARGES AGAINST ERNEST"SHUJAA" GRAHAM OF "GRAHAM AND ALLEN" AFTER FOUR TRIALS.

August 1982; the first official Black August demonstration infront of San Quentin took place, with organizing input from the brothers behindthe walls at San Quentin. There was a Black August Festival held atLittle Bobby Hutton/Defermary Park; The Black August Organizing Committeehad a large standing room only fundraising event that year taking place at LaPena Cultural Center in Berkeley and had outreach tables at the Berkeley FleaMarket (aka The African Marketplace). By this time many members of the BlackAugust Organizing Committee were fighting multiple court cases resulting from awave of State oppression focused specifically on the Black Liberation Movementto suppress our movement.* It must be noted that the Bay Areaprison justice community has historically held demonstrations in front of SanQuentin since the year of George Jackson's death and were joined in solidarityby many radical and progressive organizations from around California and theU.S.

August 1983: After a wave of aggressive state repression and oppression, the BlackAugust Organizing Committee continued with the Study Groups and held a largefundraising event for our members who continued to fight court cases and boguscharges resulting from the State crack down on our movement. ALL CASES ENDED UPBEING ACQUITTED AND/OR DROPPED!

THE BLACK AUGUST COMMEMORATION:

Black August is a month of education, resistance and is of greatcommemorative significance for the Afrikan peoples of the Diaspora,particularly those in the U.S. our people in prisons and jails and especiallythe California prison isolation units, where the commemorative traditionoriginated.  Black August, as noted by one of our most dedicatedNew Afrikan Freedom Fighters, Mumia Abu-Jamal,” is a month of divine meaning,of repression and radical resistance, of injustice and divine justice; ofrepression and righteous rebellion; of individual and collective efforts tofree the slaves and break the chains that bind us”.

The tradition of fasting, studying and education during Black Augustwas 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 ofour fallen Freedom Fighters, the conditions that our people face in prison, inthe past during captivity and enslavement and the ongoing oppression of ourpeople throughout the Diaspora. The commemorative fast is from sunrise tosunset (or generally from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm or 8:00 am to 8:00 pm). The fastincludes refraining from drinking liquids and eating food of any kind. The mealto break the fast is shared whenever possible among comrades. Other forms ofsacrifice are also encouraged to teach self-discipline and self-reflection,such as abstaining from sex or needless consumption (i.e. drug and alcoholuse), refraining from listening to the corporate radio and watching corporate television.People are also encouraged whenever possible to refrain from patronizing andusing corporate businesses, gas stations, department stores, supermarkets andgrocery stores. Traditionally a “Peoples’ Feast” is held on August 31st tohonor the fallen and acknowledge our collective sacrifices for the greatergood.

Early on, the Black August practice and tradition also observed notonly the sacrifices of the brothers in California’s concentration camps, but tocommemorate the acts of rebellion and resistance that occurred within theCalifornia Prison Camps and by other Black/New Afrikan prisoners, PoliticalPrisoners (PPs), Prisoners of War (POWs) and freedom fighters. Withinthe first year(s) of Black August the sacrifices and struggles of our ancestorsagainst white supremacy, colonialism, and imperialism were also included in thecommemorative observation and practice.

“It must be clear that the purpose of Black August as created by thefounders was not to celebrate, but to observe by individual and collectivefasting, studying, educating and community work, as well as political andcultural edutainment”. – Shaka At-Thinnin

Black August is a time to engage in self-reaffirming action toadvance our struggle for self-determination and national liberation,and to commemorate actions of resistance, revolution and rebellion whilepromoting an understanding and awareness of what is happening to our people inprison and encouraging active and proactive acts of resistance. During BlackAugust the community is encouraged to join in the observation andcommemoration. Not only are the actions of self-discipline suggested, but alsocommunity members and community organizations are encouraged to come together,study and educate one another about what is happening in the prisons and aboutresistance and liberation past and present through studying, discussion,reading, DVD/Media sharing, cultural edutainment, exercising, training andbreaking fast together. Black August study groups are encouraged. Black August readingand media lists are promoted.

*It is strongly suggested that we should write and/or visit someonein prison, to fund raise for and donate to the prisoners, political prisonersand 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 onlywater from sunrise until after sunset from the 1st until the 31st (Alternativesuggested hours are 6am to 6pm or 8am to 8pm);

*Eat only one meal a day after 6pm or after sunset;

*On days called flea days, (1st, 7th, 13th and 21st), fast 24 hours untilnext sunset. (Knowing that refraining from liquids is unhealthy, Mama Ayannasuggests making this a liquid fast or to drink only water if you are especiallydisciplined)

*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 alcoholicbeverages during the entire month.

*Do not go to any corporate store for anything other than essentials ormedical 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 unless for educationalpurposes (for example 'Malcolm X or     Biko')

*Do not patronize fast food or commercial eating establishments or vendors.

*Eat healthy, natural and nutritious foods, beverages and meals to nourishyour body and practice discipline.

*Observe Black August through educational study groups, educational events,edutainment and commemorations.

*Contribute funds and 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 toour people in prisons.

*Visit and/or write someone in prison or jail. It is suggested to also writeand support our political prisoners and prisoners of consciousness (thispractice should be continued all year)

BLACK AUGUST FASTING:

Black August fasting is a New Afrikan tradition begun by the brothers insidethat serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifices made by our people behindthe walls and the conditions our people have faced historically and still face.Fasting mentally disciplines us to control urges and the physical craving forfood; fasting helps us endure physical pain and discomfort. It is a reminder ofwhat our Ancestars endured working as captives in the fields of the colonizers.Ultimately physical strength can be gained from fasting if a regular exerciseprogram is developed and continued beyond August. Also fasting increases one’sabilities to break other addictions, like excessive cursing, and watchingtelevision. Fasting is uncomfortable at times, but it helps us to remember allthose who have come and gone before us.

*Do not partake of a fast without medical supervision or consultingwith your health practitioner. 

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 practitioner.

THE MOVEMENT OF BLACK AUGUST:

In the early 1980’s under the leadership and practice of the BlackAugust Organizing Committee (BAOC), the observance and practice of Black Augustspread from the concentration camps of California and began being practiced byBlack/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. TheMalcolm X Grassroots Movement (MXGM) inherited knowledge and practice of BlackAugust from its parent organization, the New Afrikan People's Organization(NAPO). MXGM began introducing the Hip-Hop “generation” to Black August in thelate 1990's after being inspired by the Cuban based New Afrikan political exileNehanda Abiodun to start “Black August Hip Hop” benefit concerts to raiseawareness about our captured and exiled Freedom Fighters, our PoliticalPrisoners, Prisoners of War, and Political Exiles like Hugo Pinell, RuchellMagee, Mutulu Shakur, Sundiata Acoli, Sekou Odinga, the NY 3, the Move 9,Assata Shakur, and dozens more. The benefits from these political/culturalevents go to the political prisoners and their legal funds. The Black AugustOrganizing Committee and the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement continue tocollaborate and work together in unity and resistance.

In the spirit of Black August organizations are encouraged to havepolitical, cultural and educational events and not celebrations or parties.Commemoration and observance are totally different actions than celebration andpartying. Black August was designed and brought to our communities to educateabout prisoners and political prisoners, to agitate and activate the spirit ofrevolution, resistance and rebellion in our people. Along with the Black AugustOrganizing Committee, MXGM other organizations and individuals are nowobserving and commemorating Black August all over the U.S. and the Diasporaincluding Oakland, San Francisco, New York, Philadelphia, Washington D.C.,Atlanta, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Austin, New Orleans, Omaha, Rochester,New Jersey, 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 August1619;

*The start of the great Haitian revolution in August 1791;

*The call for a general strike by enslaved New Afrikans by Henry HighlandGarnett on August 22nd1843;

*The initiation of the major network that conducted the Underground Railroadon 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 wasestablished 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 an 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 MarcusGarvey, Maroon Russell Shoatz (political prisoner) and Chicago Black Panther PartyChairman Fred Hampton were born in August. The great New Afrikan revolutionaryscholar and theoretician W.E.B. Dubois died in Ghana on August 27, 1963.Khatari Gant the son of Original Black August Organizing Committee Members MamaAyanna and Shaka At-Thinnin was murdered on August 4, 2007.

REMEMBER AND COMMEMORATE THE MONTH OF BLACK AUGUST.

BLACK AUGUST RESISTANCE!

References:

·        Points and quotes in this writing were takenfrom historical articles written by:

·        The Original Black August Organizing Committee

·        Baba Shaka At-Thinnin

·        Mama Ayanna Mashama

·        The Malcolm X Grassroots Movement

·        Javad Jahi

BLACK AUGUST WEEKEND: August 3 & 4, 2013 Omaha, NB

https://www.facebook.com/events/440989169333073/

BLACK AUGUST CALENDAR LOS ANGELES:

https://www.facebook.com/notes/blackaugust-losangeles/calender-for-black-august-in-los-angeles-2013-will-be-updated-when-necessary/10153072450365648

An ongoing solidarity event to establish a group of friends and supporters for Jalil Muntaqin August 8, 2013:

https://www.facebook.com/events/554265921284908/

NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST POLICE BRUTALITY AUGUST 

13, 2013:

https://www.facebook.com/events/374070472686422/?ref=14