We romanticize the process of going back through studying the movements of our ancestors, but we often lack the action that is required to bring it back to the present day. Our ancestors did not take action with the goal of going down in the history books under a movement name; they took action because they were trying to survive. With Black people still being lynched in 2026, I think it’s safe to say we are still in a state of survival.
That’s what Black August is meant to help us start to realize.
During the month of August, we are encouraged to study together, train, and fast—with the intention of taking action together.
What is Black August?
I’d first mention that Black August is not a month of celebration, but an observance of the political prisoners, or freedom fighters. The intention behind the month is to honor Black freedom fighters who were killed fighting against oppression in the California prison systems specifically. August is the ‘chosen’ month due to the sequence of deaths over several years.
Nubia Lateefa provided our study group with this video this month that gives a great breakdown of what Black August means and the full history that led to this observance.
Why is Black August important?
Black August is important because it’s organized action that our community needs. Fasting, training, and studying are action steps that start a movement. In the words of my sister Nubia Lateefa, “Ain’t shit funny.”
And if you look around, it really ain’t shit funny right about now. With all the public lynchings, murders, and injustice we still face as Black folk in America, I believe we fear becoming a political prisoner or freedom fighter because we see how this prison system is set up. However, we must not bow down in this fight, nor can we let our elders continue to be erased in this prison system.
Flea Days
The intention behind publishing this essay today, specifically, is that it is the last ‘flea day’ of the month. Flea days are significant days in August when freedom fighters were murdered, and as a way to remember them, we are encouraged to do a 24-hour fast on flea days.
Mark on your calendars for next year: August 1st, 7th, 13th, and 21st.
August 1st, 1978 — Khatari Gaulden died due to medical neglect after being injured playing football, or what many groups refer to as an assassination.
August 7th, 1970 — Marin County Courthouse Rebellion: George Jackson’s younger brother, Jonathan Jackson, then 17, entered the Marin County Courthouse armed with several weapons and demanded the release of the Soledad brothers. Jonathan passed guns to James McClain, William Christmas, and Ruchell McGee, announcing to the court officers, “Okay, gentlemen we will be taking over from here.”
They took hostages Judge Harold Haley, Deputy District Attorney Gary Thomas, and juror Maria Elena Graham. Police opened fire, killing Jonathan Jackson, James McClain, William Christmas, and Judge Harold Haley.
August 13th, 1970 — This flea day represents the death of the Soledad Brothers; W.L. Nolan, Alvin “Juggs” Miller, and Cleveland Edwards, who were involved in an altercation with members of the Aryan Nation on the yard at Soledad Prison. Corrections Officer Opie G. Miller opened fire and wounded the three men, leaving them on the prison yard for 20 minutes until they bled to death. When prisoners tried to save them, they were threatened to be shoot too. This took place January 13th, 1970, and it’s observed on August 13th as a flea day.
August 21st, 1971 — George Jackson was assassinated by the San Quentin Prison guards after they claimed he smuggled a pistol under an afro wig and tried to escape while returning to quarters after a visitation with his attorney. He had just finished writing “Blood in My Eye” barely a week before his assassination.
While this is a brief overview I encourage you to continue your studies to educate yourself more about Black August and what it means to be a freedom fighter and political prisoner in America. After reading and working through the study guide provided above, Nubia Lateefa has put together a document with resources to help you continue your studies.
Thank you for this read. For clarification, when you say flea day do you mean that we fast on this day in remembrance? If so, so we fast from sun up till sun down? Is there a time of day with intentional prayer to remember the deceased?
Thank you for this awareness and call to action. I recently watched Angela Davis' documentary (free on Tubi) and learned more about George Jackson, who became an intimate friend of hers. There is also footage of Jonathan Jackson.