By Jeffery Kazembe Batts
IG: @kazbatts
The attacks are happening in real time, right now. The loss of Black congressional districts in Louisiana and Tennessee. Masked agents from ICE “wilding” in NYC and across the country. White South Africans prioritized for migration. Haitian and Somali people openly disrespected by the highest levels of government. Diversity, equity, inclusion policies criminalized. Nationwide lack of prosecution of unjustified homicides victimizing Black people.

Many other points could be substituted to highlight the hostility of current federal American policy towards Black/ African people. Time to remember our history. A militant, righteous and self-determining history.

Black August is here. The concept of “Black August” began in the 1970s to mark the assassination of the imprisoned Black Panther, author, and revolutionary George Jackson during a prison rebellion in California’s San Quentin prison.

It is a time of reverence to honor political prisoners. It is about committing time and purpose to remember and then to build Black power, self-determination and unity, in honor of the sacrifices made by Black liberation freedom-fighters such as the late Assata Shakur & Sekou Odinga, and those still incarcerated such as Mumia Abu Jamal, Kamau Sadiki and more.

For decades organizations including the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement have consistently mobilized and educated the masses about the importance of “Black August” and political prisoners. Prior to the emergence of “Black August” the month was already very “Black.” August includes many empowering actions including the start of the Haitian Revolution in 1791, Nat Turner’s Rebellion in 1831, the March on Washington in 1963, and the Watts Uprising in 1965.

The birthdays of Freedom-fighters Fred Hampton and Marcus Garvey are also celebrated.
Over the last 35 years plus, two organizations, the December 12th Movement (D12) and the National Action Network (NAN) have consistently, in their respective tactics and strategies, organized and led activities to improve the lives of Black people, especially in NYC, but also far beyond the borders of the Big Apple, across the country and around the world.

Near the end of Black August 2026, each organization is at the heart of a major action planned for the end of the month. Your participation would swell the numbers of attendees thus helping to build Black power and show mass support.

On Friday, August 28th all roads lead to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. for the “March on Washington – Defend the Vote” rally. The gathering is a civil-rights movement tradition. Led by the National Action Network, a coalition of organizations are planning for tens of thousands of people gather in mass to demonstrate, march, and rally on a Friday, while government offices are open. NAN has executed huge rallies before on Saturdays. Trump and Maga Republican policies and a compromised right-wing supreme court are the objects of the protests.

Attorney Roger Wareham describes what will happen at the end of the month “On August 29th D12 and other organizations from around the Tri-State area will be rallying at Brooklyn’s Harriet Tubman (aka Fulton) Park to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action. The DDPA was the product of an historic Pan-African collaboration between the African Diaspora and the African and Caribbean countries of the United Nations.

For the first time the international community declared that the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and Slavery were crimes against humanity and that reparations are due the victims’ descendants. Similar rallies/programs will be going on around the country and the world calling on increased organizing and participation for our overdue reparations demand. Join us at 2 pm.”

Prior to the above national actions, local Bed-Stuy tradition continues. During Black August for most of the last 25 years, the Universal Hip-Hop Parade for Social Justice (UHHP) has produced a mashup of Hip-Hop creativity and Black power in honor of Marcus Garvey’s birthday. On August 15th the UHHP is hosting a stationary “2026 Marcus Garvey Mixer” celebration at Loudmouth Records, located at 348 Marcus Garvey, across from the armory, between 4pm and 10pm.

In honor of the Pan-African leader, the importance of the red, black, green colors flag will be highlighted. The UHHP’s ongoing work includes seeking more recognition for the fact that Marcus Garvey Blvd in Bed-Stuy is the only street named after the legendary freedom fighter in the United States of America. The work focuses on redesigning the street landscape & putting up appropriate symbols that honor the historical legacy of the global leader.

Some say resistance to injustice, along with assertion of the Black Agenda is needed more than ever now. “We need to go in millions to show the world how racist Trump is…if it was up to him, we would be back in the cotton field…Black people have to realize if the Black vote didn’t count Trump wouldn’t be trying to take it away” Brooklyn veteran activist Tim Ford shared.

Will you be “OUTSIDE”? You can participate in these rallies or other similar activities to strengthen the community. Remember the sacrifices, then consider letting your voice and actions be heard and felt at this crucial time as the nation approaches the November mid-term elections, where evidence already points to major shenanigans to come. The movement for Black power and real progressive and revolutionary change continues…with your help.