Black August is the annual commemoration of the history of struggle and resistance of Black freedom fighters who fought against systemic oppression and the prison industrial complex which is inherently oppressive and anti-Black.
Observance started in the 1970s by incarcerated Black activists in California following the deaths of Black Panther Party members George Jackson, Fleeta Drumgo, and Khatari Gaulden during the month of August. Prisoners observed Black August to honor these comrades who died fighting for liberation and to bring awareness to the ongoing struggles of Black prisoners.
Over time, Black August grew beyond the prison system and became a month-long observance of remembrance, reflection and resistance within the Black communities in the United States. Black August continues to serve as a time to remember these freedom fighters and other events in Black liberation movements like Nat Turner's slave rebellion in 1831, the murder of civil rights workers Medgar Evers, Andrew Goodman, James Chaney and Michael Schwerner in August 1963, and the Watts riots of 1965.
In addition to remembrance, Black August is also a time to intentionally educate yourself about the often overlooked and under-taught histories of Black people in the United States. Consider these selections when choosing books for your own Black August reading list.
Our Black August Book Selections
This is our curated reading list of works by Black authors who have shaped the narrative of resistance, resilience, and liberation. It is not exhaustive so feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments.
The Black Panther Party: A Graphic Novel History by David F. Walker and Marcus Kwame Anderson
This graphic novel is a must-read for those seeking a dynamic and accessible exploration of the Black Panther Party's profound impact on the civil rights movement and its ongoing relevance today.
Blood in My Eye By George Jackson
Jackson completed this book on political philosophy just days before being murdered while attempting to escape San Quentin State Prison. It offers a glimpse into his strategies for fighting the state.
Live from Death Row by Mumia Abu-jamal
This is a gripping and thought-provoking memoir that offers a unique perspective on the criminal justice system and the death penalty. Written from his own experiences while on death row, Abu-Jamal's powerful narrative explores themes of race, activism, and the inherent flaws of the legal system.
Fire This Time: The Watts Uprising And The 1960s by Gerald Horne
In this historical account, Horne delves deep into the historical, social, and political context of the time, exploring the underlying factors that led to the explosive rebellion.
Soul on Ice by Eldridge Cleaver
Cleaver's memoir offers a powerful and unapologetic exploration of his experiences as a member of the Black Panther Party and his time in prison.
Revolutionary Suicide by Huey P. Newton
Huey P. Newton, co-founder of the Black Panther Party, provides a thought-provoking account of his political awakening, the party's formation, and the challenges faced in the struggle against racial oppression.
Black Power: The Politics of Liberation by Kwame Ture and Charles V. Hamilton
This groundbreaking work examines the philosophy and ideology of Black Power, highlighting the need for self-determination, community empowerment, and collective action in the fight against racial inequality.
A Taste of Power: A Black Woman's Story by Elaine Brown
Brown, the first female leader of the Black Panther Party, shares her remarkable journey, offering insights into the challenges faced by Black women within the movement and her persistent pursuit of social change.
The Assassination of Fred Hampton: How the FBI and the Chicago Police Murdered a Black Panther by Jeffrey Haas
Haas meticulously investigates the tragic assassination of Fred Hampton, a young and influential Black Panther Party leader, shedding light on the government's role in suppressing Black liberation movements.
Assata: An Autobiography by Assata Shakur
Assata Shakur, a former member of the Black Panther Party, shares her gripping tale of activism, imprisonment, and escape.
The Black Panthers: Portraits from an Unfinished Revolution by Bryan Shih and Yohuru Williams
This captivating photographic collection, accompanied by insightful essays, offers a visual and narrative exploration of the Black Panther Party's history, its impact on Black communities, and its enduring legacy.
Soledad Brother: The Prison Letters of George Jackson
George Jackson's powerful collection of personal prison letters provides a firsthand account of his experiences as an incarcerated Black revolutionary, reflecting on the dehumanization he endured.
Abolition Democracy by Angela Davis
Read this book to understand a scholar’s vision of a world without caging. Davis Challenges readers to envision a society free from prisons and punitive justice, advocating for the transformative power of collective action and revolutionary change.
Octavia’s Brood
Edited by Walidah Imarisha and Adrienne Maree Brown, this collection features diverse voices and speculative narratives that examine themes of social justice, liberation, and the power of collective imagination. While you’re at it–don’t skip any of Octavia Butler’s work which inspired this anthology.
Black against Empire: The History and Politics of the Black Panther Party by Joshua Bloom and Waldo E. Martin Jr.
Through in-depth analysis and firsthand accounts, the book provides a nuanced understanding of the Black Panther Party's impact on the civil rights movement and its lasting influence on the struggle for racial justice.
Revolutionary Suicide by Huey P. Newton
Co-founder of the Black Panther Party, Huey P. Newton, offers his deeply personal account of his life and the revolutionary movement he helped shape.
Seize the Time: The Story of the Black Panther Party and Huey P. Newton by Bobby Seale
From the party's inception to its rise as a powerful social and political force, Seale offers a firsthand account of the organization's goals, strategies, and struggles.
This Side of Glory: The Autobiography of David Hilliard and the Story of the Black Panther Party by David Hilliard and Lewis Cole
Hilliard's memoir explores the experiences and motivations that led him to join the Black Panther Party and his role in organizing community programs and advocating for Black empowerment.
Further reading online:
Comments