Black August

Somewhere across the Prison Industrial Complex of California and the United States, men are fasting, exercising, and studying their history to raise awareness and commemorate those who had died for freedom and fought against injustice.

Black August commemoration originated in the late '70s and celebrated mostly by African Americans to remember their fallen comrades and expose the oppressive and inhumane conditions inside prisons.

One of the most talked about persons in the month of Black August is George Jackson, an African American prisoner who was killed by San Quentin guards in August of 1971 during an alleged take over of a section of the prison. (For more on Jackson, read "Soledad Brother")

The Black August commemorative gatherings in the communities is going on its 26th year.