Black August is a commemoration, not a celebration, of the resistance of Black people globally

DeArbea WalkerSep 1, 2023, 02:02 IST

Mourners give the Black Panther salute during the funeral of George Jackson in Oakland, California on August 28, 1971.AP Photo/Robert Klein

Black August is a month-long commemoration following the deaths of George Jackson and Jonathan Jackson.
George Jackson was sentenced to one year to life in prison after stealing $70 from a gas station; he was killed during a prison revolt while trying to stage an escape.

In 1961, George Jackson was sentenced to one year to life in prison for stealing $70 from a Los Angeles gas station. While behind bars, George became politicized, reading dozens of books from left-wing figures such as Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin.

California's San Quentin prison, where George Jackson was held.AP Photo/Ott

In 1961, George Jackson was sentenced to one year to life in prison for stealing $70 from a Los Angeles gas station. While behind bars, George became politicized, reading dozens of books from left-wing figures such as Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin.

He spent around a decade in prison — first in San Quentin, and later, in Soledad State prison — much of which was in solitary confinement.

San Quentin State Prison, 1974Clem Albers/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

During his time at San Quentin, Jackson befriended W.L. Nolen. Together, the two created the Black Guerilla Family, a revolutionary organization for prisoners that was a part of the larger Black Power movement at the time.

Soledad State prison, 1970Bettmann via Getty

During his time at San Quentin, Jackson befriended W.L. Nolen. Together, the two created the Black Guerilla Family, a revolutionary organization for prisoners that was a part of the larger Black Power movement at the time.

On January 13, 1970, Nolen and two other Black prisoners were killed by a corrections officer during a prison yard riot.

A hearse drives out of the main gate of California's San Quentin prison, Aug. 21, 1971.AP Photo/Ott

Soon after the news of the ruling had reached Soledad prison, another white guard was found murdered. Three prisoners, including George Jackson, were charged with the crime.

Soledad Brothers Fleeta Drumgo, John W. Cluchette, and George Jackson.Bettmann via Getty Images

Soon after the news of the ruling had reached Soledad prison, another white guard was found murdered. Three prisoners, including George Jackson, were charged with the crime.

On August 7, 1970, Jackson's 17-year-old brother, Jonathan Jackson stormed a courthouse where James McClain was on trial for the stabbing of a San Quentin guard. Along with three other people, Jackson took five hostages and demanded the release of the Soledad Brothers.

Panthers bid farewell as a casket containing the body of Jonathan Jackson is brought into St. Augustin's Episcopal Church for funeral services.Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

On August 7, 1970, Jackson's 17-year-old brother, Jonathan Jackson stormed a courthouse where James McClain was on trial for the stabbing of a San Quentin guard. Along with three other people, Jackson took five hostages and demanded the release of the Soledad Brothers.

A year later, on August 21, 1971, Jackson, along with a number of other inmates, staged a prison break.

Black Panthers stand guard while the hearse carrying the body of George Jackson was brought to St. Augustine's Episcopal Church.AP Photo/Robert Klein

In 1979, the first Black August was celebrated as members of the Black Guerilla Family in San Quentin gathered to commemorate the lives of George and Jonathan Jackson.

Protestors gather outside the San Francisco Hall of Justice shortly after a melee broke out in a courtroom during an appearance by the Soledad Brothers.Bettmann Archive/Getty Images

Black August is not another Black History Month, activists told Insider. It is centered around discipline, a commitment to political education, a focus on political prisoners in the US, the prison industrial complex, and the ultimate liberation and self-determination of Black people globally.

Sanyika Bryant teaching a political education class last year during Black August.Black Organizing Project

Black August is not another Black History Month, activists told Insider. It is centered around discipline, a commitment to political education, a focus on political prisoners in the US, the prison industrial complex, and the ultimate liberation and self-determination of Black people globally.

According to Bryant, Black August should be "something that has to be struggled against."

Sanyika Bryant teaching a political education class last year during Black August.Black Organizing Project

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Black August is a commemoration, not a celebration, of the resistance of Black people globally

In 1961, George Jackson was sentenced to one year to life in prison for stealing $70 from a Los Angeles gas station. While behind bars, George became politicized, reading dozens of books from left-wing figures such as Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin.

He spent around a decade in prison — first in San Quentin, and later, in Soledad State prison — much of which was in solitary confinement.

During his time at San Quentin, Jackson befriended W.L. Nolen. Together, the two created the Black Guerilla Family, a revolutionary organization for prisoners that was a part of the larger Black Power movement at the time.

On January 13, 1970, Nolen and two other Black prisoners were killed by a corrections officer during a prison yard riot.

Soon after the news of the ruling had reached Soledad prison, another white guard was found murdered. Three prisoners, including George Jackson, were charged with the crime.

On August 7, 1970, Jackson's 17-year-old brother, Jonathan Jackson stormed a courthouse where James McClain was on trial for the stabbing of a San Quentin guard. Along with three other people, Jackson took five hostages and demanded the release of the Soledad Brothers.

A year later, on August 21, 1971, Jackson, along with a number of other inmates, staged a prison break.

In 1979, the first Black August was celebrated as members of the Black Guerilla Family in San Quentin gathered to commemorate the lives of George and Jonathan Jackson.

Black August is not another Black History Month, activists told Insider. It is centered around discipline, a commitment to political education, a focus on political prisoners in the US, the prison industrial complex, and the ultimate liberation and self-determination of Black people globally.

According to Bryant, Black August should be "something that has to be struggled against."