Prison activists speak about Black August

Latest

(Left to right) Chris Venn interviews prison activists Ernest Shujaa Graham and Willie Sundiata Tate about the meaning of Black August.
PHOTO/JITU SADIKI

 
LOS ANGELES, CA — This is an interview following an event in Los Angeles, CA during the month of August, which is referred to as Black August, that commemorates the loss of many prison activists in the 1960s and 1970s and acknowledges historical events affecting the lives of African people during the month of August such as the arrival into the US of enslaved Africans; slave uprisings in the US South, and more. I’m joined by Ernest Shujaa Graham (Death Row Survivor) and Willie Sundiata Tate (San Quentin Six Member).
“My name is Ernest Shujaa Graham and I am a death row survivor. I went off to prison when I was 18; it was in prison that I joined the prison movement for social justice and human rights. After being a part of that movement for over three years, in 1973 an uprising happened in Tracy prison and I was accused of leading the uprising. A guard was murdered during that uprising and I was charged with his killing. I had four trials; in my second trial they convicted me and sentenced me to die. The Supreme Court overturned my conviction and in my fourth trial I was acquitted.
“Black August is an organized entity that started in prison as the consequence of different prisoners being killed and we wanted to honor those who made the supreme sacrifice, in prison. Since most of their deaths occurred in August we decided to create a month-long commemoration called Black August and we are here today to continue to reflect on that and pay our tribute to those like George Jackson, Jeffrey Khatari Gaulden and Hugo Pinell, a member of the San Quentin 6, and others who made the supreme sacrifice. And we just want to make sure today that their names and their sacrifices won’t be forgotten.”
Willie Sundiata Tate: “The formalization of Black August occurred after I had left prison. It developed primarily among younger prisoners who were involved in the struggle inside prison and they wanted to honor some of those in that struggle; and for me, you know, I think it is a good tradition. I think it is a wonderful thing to do.”

+ Articles by this author

Free to republish but please credit the People's Tribune. Visit us at www.peoplestribune.org, email peoplestribune@gmail.com, or call 773-486-3551.

The People’s Tribune brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: ©2024 peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff.

1 COMMENT

  1. In 2002, I got lermission from Mama Kiilu Nyasha to start Black August International South in New Orleans. In 2003, we launched it with her blessing in the way she did it in the Bay Area. What an honor!
    We are moving forward this year, with. B.A.I.S. We would love for you to participate virtually.
    I look forward to hearing from you.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Pregnant Teen Died: Seeks Care in Three Texas Emergency Rooms

Nevaeh Crain cried in pain, too weak to walk, blood staining her thighs. Vomiting and feverish at her baby shower, the teen went to two different emergency rooms, returning home, worse than before. Pregnant women have become untouchables.

No, Immigration Is Not Making Housing Less Affordable

Despite politicians' claims to the contrary, immigration is not making housing unaffordable. In fact, immigration can be part of the solution.

Make Your Vote Count 

This 2024 election is gaining on us and the pressure to get to the ballot box is intense and...

Michigan’s Prescient Lesson: Vote While You Still Can!!! 

Michigan's non-elected Emergency Manager dictatorship made Flint's water crisis possible. Pay attention to the danger of losing our Democratic rights as we’ve known them in this election. Vote while you still can!

US Doctors Tell Biden, Harris They ‘Witnessed Crimes Beyond Comprehension’ in Gaza

US doctors who visited Gaza tell Biden, Harris they've never seen such horrific injuries, on such a massive scale, with so few resources, that our bombs are cutting down women and children, and that a ceasefire must be imposed.

More from the People's Tribune