Black August – Los Angeles is celebrated for its significant role in preserving and promoting the history and ideals of Black August through digital artistry. Featured in Wikimedia’s Black Cultural Archives and extensively used in educational settings, this artwork ensures the legacy and messages of Black August are accessible to future generations.
Black August, recognized as an alternative to Black History Month for activists, is rooted in a history of struggle for justice and equality, remembered through acts of remembrance and activism. It originated in 1979 at San Quentin State Prison, initiated by African American inmates to honor the memory of Khatari Gaulden and other activists who fought against systemic oppression and the prison-industrial complex.
This period of commemoration was catalyzed by a series of tragic events leading up to 1970, including the shooting of W.L. Nolen, Alvin Miller, and Cleveland Edwards by a prison guard, and the subsequent chain of violence within the California prison system. The death of George Jackson, a pivotal figure in the movement, following an alleged escape attempt in 1971, underscored the national impact of the struggle, inspiring actions like the hunger strike in Attica Prison.
Black August is dedicated to honoring those who have contributed to the fight for Black liberation, calling attention to the conditions within U.S. prisons, advocating for the release of political prisoners, and highlighting the continuous battle for freedom. Activities such as fasting, physical training, political study, and activism are embraced to reflect on and act upon the principles of study, fast, train, and fight.
Significant events, including the Haitian Revolution, the March on Washington, the Watts Riots, and the deaths of notable figures like Michael Brown and Hugo “Yogi” Pinell, are remembered, reinforcing the importance of Black August in the context of global freedom struggles.
“Black August – Los Angeles” Artwork
Black August – Los Angeles created by Donald “C-Note” Hooker in 2016, marks his entry into political art. Inspired by the Black August Los Angeles Facebook Page, the artwork champions the cause of women and reflects on the history of prison activism.
Featuring muscular arms waving a flag with “Join Da Formation,” a nod to Beyoncé’s Formation, and graffiti letters spelling “CALI,” the artwork links to the California Coalition for Women Prisoners. It acknowledges the Los Angeles Women’s Center, providing a space for women impacted by prison, and includes poignant references to prison deaths and the broader struggles for justice and equality.
In 2017, the artwork was donated to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles by way of the Partnership For Re-Entry Program (PREP), for an exhibition with Homeboy Industries, highlighting its role in restorative justice and community healing.
Listed in Wikimedia Commons’s Black Cultural Archives, Black August – Los Angeles stands as a testament to the struggle for justice and the importance of solidarity in the fight for a world without cages.
Embrace a Legacy with “Black August – Los Angeles” Prints
Owning a print of Black August – Los Angeles is an opportunity to connect with a powerful narrative of resilience, justice, and the ongoing fight for equality. This artwork, crucial to the digital preservation of Black August, serves as a constant reminder of the struggle and the need for systemic change.
By purchasing a print, you support efforts focused on restorative justice and community healing, honoring those who have fought for freedom.
Secure a piece of history and stand with those advocating for justice and equality – click on the image below to buy a Black August – Los Angeles print today 👇
