Commemorating Black August at The HUUB

Members of Green Party of NJ, Montclair Beyond Policing, Montclair Solidarity Network,Socialist Party of NJ, and NJAW Attendees posed with Edwin “Chino” Ortiz and Talib Charriez of the Returning Citizens Support Group of NJ for a group picture at the end of the night’s Black August teach-in at The HUBB in Orange, NJ. (Image Credit for Public Square Amplified - Josie Gonsalves)

Orange, NJ - On Wednesday, August 28th, a coalition of abolitionists and organizers hosted an annual commemoration of Black August at The HUBB in Orange that brought together political prisoners, academics, returning citizens, and fellow community members.

“Understanding Black August" was designed as a teach-in on the historical significance of Black August and its ongoing socio-political framework to understand the abolition movement to free political prisoners and reimagine policing with a central focus on the carceral system.

Mumia Abu Jamal, author, journalist, and political prisoner, delivered the opening remarks via a pre-recorded audio statement that grounded the night's discussion. Edwin “Chino” Ortiz and Professor Johanna Fernandez were additional speakers. 

Ortiz is the executive director of the Returning Citizens Support Group in Newark, NJ. Ortiz, who returned home in September of 2016 after serving a 30-year sentence, shared openly and honestly regarding the trauma of incarceration and his transition toward political education and revolution. The RCSNJ provides a number of resources, support groups and employment opportunities to those returning home post-incarceration.

Fernandez, a current Associate Professor at Baruch College and author of The Young Lords: A Radical History, covered the history of incarceration and the effects of racism, capitalism, and imperialism upon that system. 

Event Flier: Designed by Renee Johnston 

During the early months of 1970, in response to multiple murders of incarcerated people in the California penal system, a mobilization of revolutionaries began. Focused on improving prison conditions, including stopping the torture and murder of inmates, protests utilized writing, hunger strikes, and sit-ins in an attempt to force an investigation into the behavior of the California corrections officers.

One major formation, the Black Guerilla Family (BGF), worked to provide political education and defensive training to inmates. Founded by George Jackson, who was serving a 1 to 99-year sentence for an armed robbery charge. Jackson’s writings remain a core resource for revolutionary political education.

The practice of Black August was initiated in the California Department of Corrections in 1978 with consideration of the number of comrades lost during the month of August, including George Jackson who was shot to death in the San Quentin prison yard by guards in August, 1971. The initial effort was led by Khatari Gualden, a BGF leader, who utilized that organization's historical and ideological foundation as a basis for the education of radical politics and spiritual sustenance. 

Those who participated in the month-long commemoration of Black August wore black armbands on their left arm and studied revolutionary works. They abstained from listening to the radio or watching television; they fasted from eating or drinking anything from sunrise to sunset; and engaged in boycotting the prison’s canteen. The indulging in drugs and alcoholic usage was prohibited however they committed to a daily regimen of physical exercises.

In deference to the work of these revolutionaries and an abolition movement initiated by the incarcerated, Black August continues annually, both across the United States and internationally. In the U.S., the carceral system has greatly expanded since that first Black August, as well as efforts to prevent political education within prisons. However, the realities of those currently incarcerated serve as motivation for organizers to continue their commitment to the annual Black August practice.

Abolition education is not limited to Black August in New Jersey. The planning committee for this event has been running monthly Abolition Workshops in Orange, NJ since January. Each workshop is a hybrid event, with virtual participation on Zoom and in-person at the HUUB, a community use space, located in Orange, NJ. 

All workshop sessions are free for participants, with a general goal to promote an "Each One Teach One" strategy. Workshops meet on the 3rd Tuesday of odd numbered months, and the 4th Tuesday of even numbered months. 

This month’s session (#9) will meet on September 17th and will focus on the topic of Policing and Mental Health. Visit https://isyourlifebetter.net/nj-abolition-workshops/ for more information and to register to participate.