The Present and Future of Black August

The struggles for socialism and national liberation cannot be separated. There is no possibility of organizing a socialist revolution in the U.S.—the modern-day prison house of nations—without organizing for the independence, autonomy, and self-determination of all oppressed peoples within and beyond its borders. Black August is a time to double-down on our collective commitment to freeing political prisoners and all Black/New Afrikan and oppressed peoples. In this week’s episode, our co-hosts Dani Abdullah and Derek Ford engage in a conversation about the past, present, and future of Black August.

Black August was first celebrated in California’s San Quentin prison in 1979 to commemorate the assassination of Black Panther Party Field Marshal George Jackson by San Quentin Prison guards on August 21, 1971 and to celebrate another decade in the fight. While we celebrate Black August every day of the year, during this month we focus particularly on the Black/New Afrikan Liberation struggle.

Tune in to learn about George Jackson, his political ideology and organizing efforts (plus what books they retrieved from his cell), the historical weight August carries for the Black struggle in the U.S., and what you can do to free them all!

Show Notes:

A Common Enemy of the Sun: George Jackson and Samih Al-Qasim: https://indyliberationcenter.org/george-jackson-samih-al-qasim-enemy-of-sun/

Exclusive: Official Inventory of George Jackson’s Prison Cell Library: https://liberationnews.org/09-08-21-exclusive-official-inventory-ge-html/

Black August: Study, Fast, Train, Fight, edited by PSL Indianapolis: https://indylibcenter-shop.square.site/product/black-august-study-fast-train-fight/225

Black August 2025 Bundles to Study, Fast, Train, and Fight: https://indyliberationcenter.org/black-august-2025-bundles-to-study-fast-train-and-fight/

Shaka Shakur Freedom Campaign: https://www.shakashakur.org/