Black August is a month that holds great significance in the history of the Black community. It is a time to remember and honor the sacrifices and struggles of our ancestors, and to reflect on our own role in the ongoing fight against oppression. However, there is a growing concern that Black August is losing its true essence and becoming just another month of celebrations and parties, much like Black History Month.
The quote, “We don’t want Black August to become like a new Black History Month, where [it’s] just about celebrations or parties. That’s not the spirit of it. It’s in resistance and how we can prepare ourselves to resist our own oppression,” highlights the need to understand the true meaning of Black August and its significance in our lives.
Black August was first observed in the 1970s by Black political prisoners in the United States. It was a way for them to honor the fallen comrades, George Jackson, Jonathan Jackson, and Khatari Gaulden, who were killed in August 1971. These prisoners also used this month to educate themselves and others about the history of Black resistance and to strategize for the ongoing struggle against oppression.
Today, Black August has evolved into a month-long commemoration of Black resistance and a call to action for the Black community. It is a time to remember the struggles and sacrifices of our ancestors, but also to recognize that the fight for liberation is far from over. It is a reminder that we must continue to resist and fight against the systems of oppression that still exist in our society.
However, there is a danger of Black August losing its true essence and becoming just another month of celebrations and parties. This is not what Black August is about. It is not a time to simply celebrate our culture and heritage, but rather a time to reflect on the ongoing struggles and to prepare ourselves for the resistance that lies ahead.
The spirit of Black August lies in resistance. It is about recognizing the injustices and inequalities that still exist in our society and taking action to dismantle them. It is about educating ourselves and others about the history of Black resistance and using that knowledge to strategize for the future.
As we commemorate Black August, let us remember the sacrifices of our ancestors and honor their legacy by continuing the fight for liberation. Let us use this month to educate ourselves and others about the ongoing struggles and to take action towards creating a more just and equitable society.
One way to honor the spirit of Black August is to support and uplift Black-owned businesses and organizations. This not only helps to strengthen the Black community but also serves as a form of resistance against the economic inequalities that exist.
Another way to honor Black August is to educate ourselves about the history of Black resistance. This can be done through reading books, attending lectures and workshops, and engaging in discussions with others. By understanding our history, we can better understand the present and work towards a better future.
Furthermore, we must also use this month to reflect on our own role in the ongoing struggle against oppression. Are we actively working towards dismantling systems of oppression, or are we simply celebrating our culture and heritage without taking any action? Black August calls for us to be proactive in our resistance and to constantly strive for justice and equality.
In conclusion, Black August is not just a month of celebrations and parties. It is a time to remember and honor the sacrifices of our ancestors, but also to recognize that the fight for liberation is far from over. Let us not allow Black August to become another Black History Month, but rather let us use this month to educate ourselves, strategize for the future, and actively resist our own oppression. Let us honor the true spirit of Black August and continue the fight for a better tomorrow.
