Black August Action Items with the Movement for Black Lives

Shared from the Movement for Black Lives August 1, 2021 Newsletter

Join The Movement for Black Lives this Black August as they acknowledge and commemorate the countless freedom fighters who sacrificed their freedom and lives in the struggle for Black liberation. 

Black August was started in California prisons in the 1970s by Black freedom fighters to honor the lives and deaths of Black political prisoners killed by the state, bring awareness to harsh prison conditions, and to highlight the radical tradition of Black resistance against anti-Black state violence and systemic oppression. You can read more about the history of Black August here.

Black August Statement - M4BL

Building Black power in the United States is a long-term project—245 years to date. From enslaved Africans to today’s organizers in defense of Black lives, Black people have faithfully organized and challenged white supremacists’ conditions of domination and assimilation. In doing so, we advance our efforts toward liberation and self-determination for Black communities. And, we lose folks along the way. Countless named and unnamed freedom fighters have been murdered, exiled, or unjustly persecuted by the state for their beliefs and disappeared into cages, never to be seen again. We honor their sacrifices and express appreciation for their contributions.

Today, organizers and activists face increasing surveillance, harassment, and prosecution. Just last year more than 300 activists across the country were targeted by the Trump administration and unjustly prosecuted with federal charges. Local policy makers have introduced more than 80 pieces of legislation that limits our ability to organize and build power for ourselves, putting the lives of organizers and activists in jeopardy. Additionally, many cities collude with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force to surveil and trap organizers and impose harsh, life-altering sentences.

Every Black August we honor freedom fighters and political prisoners who put their lives on the line to defend the self-determination and political power of Black communities. We remain in service to the legacy of Black resistance, and extend a deep bow of gratitude to all who have sacrificed for us so we may be more free.

Help us commemorate Black August by:

  • Signing petitions urging all charges be dropped against protestors and political prisoners such as this one for Sundiata Acoli;

  • Demanding the freedom of all political prisoners currently incarcerated 

  • Write or visit political prisoners and fundraise on their behalf

  • Demanding a full investigation into all allegations of police and federal agent violence;

  • Demanding and end to Operation Legend and militarization of police;

  • Demanding all law enforcement agencies including ICE and CBP stop arresting protestors

  • Organizing for passage of the People’s Response Act to invest in community safety and the BREATHE Act to divest from and end militarized policing.

  • Abolish the Joint Terrorism Task Force

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