Written by: Benjamin Case
Last year, while at Lee County Correctional Institution in South Carolina, I participated in a Black August event. Black August is a holiday that celebrates the resistance against oppression, specifically recognizing the struggles and achievements of Black men and women. However, it broadly calls for unity among everyone in prison.
The term “Black August” might seem to exclude others, but it is actually an invitation for all to find common ground and unity. At our Black August event, I witnessed different gangs, often with conflicting intentions, come together to celebrate and recognize our shared struggles and hopes. This event was orchestrated by an inside organizer named Sylvester Boone. Our celebration at Lee County took place in August, but by October, Mr. Boone was placed in solitary confinement, where he remains to this day.
Black August is a time to honor the strong men and women who had the courage to fight against their oppressors. These are the individuals who paved the way for us to have the rights we have today. As we observe Black August, let’s reflect on those we know who have courageously paved the way for us.
Black August began in the California penal system in the 1970s. It was established to honor the memory of George Jackson, a Black revolutionary and prison activist who was killed by prison guards on August 21, 1971. Jackson’s death, along with other significant events in August, has made this month a time of reflection, resistance, and solidarity for prisoners and activists alike.
Key Events Commemorated During Black August
The Death of Jonathan Jackson (August 7, 1970): Jonathan Jackson, George Jackson’s younger brother, was killed while attempting to negotiate the release of the Soledad Brothers, a group of prisoners including George Jackson.
The Haitian Revolution (August 21, 1791): This revolution, led by enslaved Africans in Haiti, is celebrated as the most successful slave rebellion in history. It resulted in Haiti becoming the first independent Black republic.
The Nat Turner Rebellion (August 21, 1831): Nat Turner’s slave rebellion in Virginia is remembered for its bold stand against slavery, symbolizing the fight for freedom and justice. (This event is depicted in The Birth of a Nation, a movie produced in 2016.)
The March on Washington (August 28, 1963): This historic event, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, is celebrated for its profound impact on the civil rights movement.
The Attica Uprising (September 9-13, 1971): The Attica uprising was a significant prison rebellion that took place at the Attica Correctional Facility in New York. Prisoners, demanding better living conditions and political rights, seized control of the prison and took staff hostage. The standoff ended when state troopers stormed the facility, resulting in the deaths of 29 prisoners and 10 hostages. The uprising brought national attention to the inhumane conditions and systemic abuses within the U.S. prison system, sparking widespread calls for prison reform and greater accountability. (This historical event is also depicted in the 1980 movie Attica and the 2021 documentary Attica.)
The Lee County Riot (April15, 2018): The memory of the Lee County riot is intertwined with the spirit of Black August. The riot at Lee Correctional Institution resulted in the deaths of seven men and injuries to many others. This tragic event highlighted the systemic issues (these issues were highlighted in the trial of Michael “Flame” Smith) within the prison system, including overcrowding, understaffing, and inadequate resources. The riot was a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by those incarcerated. It underscored the need for systemic reform and the importance of unity among prisoners.
Black August is not just a Black holiday; it’s a call for unity and resistance against oppression that affects all prisoners. It’s a reminder that the fight for justice, equality, and human rights transcends racial and ethnic boundaries.
For those affected by incarceration, Black August serves as a beacon of hope and solidarity. It emphasizes the importance of collective action and mutual support in the face of systemic injustice. The month encourages prisoners to engage in self-reflection, political education, and cultural expression, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
In my personal journey, participating in Black August has been a transformative experience. Despite being born with white skin, I have found a deep connection with the principles and spirit of Black August, particularly in the writing of George Jackson and historical events that are commemorated. The event at Lee County, orchestrated by Sylvester Boone, was a powerful demonstration of unity among diverse groups. Gangs that often clashed found common ground, working together to celebrate our shared struggles and hopes.
Black August has also introduced me to men who have inspired me to work towards unity. These are not figures from distant history; they are individuals I have shared my daily life with in prison. Men who have sat in cells, walked the yard, stood in canteen lines, and greeted me warmly. Their courage, resilience, and commitment to justice have profoundly impacted my understanding of resistance and solidarity.
Black August is more than a commemoration of historical events; it is a living tradition of resistance and unity. It honors the sacrifices of those who fought against oppression and continues to inspire current and future generations. For those of us in prison and those affected by incarceration, Black August is a reminder of our collective strength and the power of unity. It is a celebration of the human spirit’s enduring capacity to resist oppression and strive for a better, more just world.
As we go through Black August, let’s think about those who have paved the way for us to do what we can today. Let’s honor the men and women who have made sacrifices, both in history and in our personal lives. Let’s also remember the lives lost during riots and all those who have perished within prison walls.
Black August is not just a month of remembrance but a call to action. It challenges us to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who came before us and to honor their legacy through our actions today. This month serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in unity and the importance of collective resistance against oppression.
As we commemorate the events and individuals that define Black August, let us also commit to continuing their fight for justice and equality. Whether within the prison walls or beyond, our collective resilience and solidarity can drive the change we wish to see. Let Black August inspire us to forge stronger bonds, embrace our shared humanity, and work tirelessly towards a future where dignity and freedom are guaranteed for all.
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