9 Days of Radical Practice
Saturday, August 21 - Sunday, August 29, 2021
9 Days of Radical Practice - A Guided Journey Meditation
Led by Curator and Cultural Theologian Ashara Ekundayo
Beginning Saturday, August 21 - Sunday, August 29, 2021, Artist As First Responder (AAFR) puts a call to action for artists to commit to learning and studying about Black revolutionaries, rebellion, and abolition for Black August.
How Can You Participate?
1. Meditate on this daily affirmation: “I Claim My Peace and My Power in this Radical Moment”
2. Engage in music, film, and reading material about Black revolutionaries, rebellion, and abolition. *See below for AAFR’s recommendations.
3. Follow @artistasfirstresponder on IG and reshare our daily posts, which will include historical information on important Black August dates.
4. Participate in a guided meditation by Ashara Ekundayo on Sunday, 8/29 at 9am PST RSVP HERE
“Black August is a time where the community remembers those who’ve fought to break the chains of systemic racism and oppression and to re-dedicate themselves to organizing towards the total liberation and self-determination of all Black people everywhere.”
What is Black August? (BLATANT volume 1, issue 1)
Black August originated in the California penal system to honor fallen Freedom Fighters, Jonathan Jackson, George Jackson, William Christmas, James McClain, and Khatari Gaulden.
Jonathan Jackson was gunned down outside the Marin County California courthouse on August 7, 1970 as he attempted to liberate three imprisoned Black Liberation Fighters: James McClain, William Christmas and Ruchell Magee (The Soladad Brothers).
Ruchell Magee is the sole survivor of that armed liberation attempt. He is the former co-defendant of Angela Davis. Other historical facts from August include the Black resistance–from the Haitian Revolution, the Nat Turner Rebellion, the Fugitive Slave Law Convention, the foundation of the Underground Railroad and the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the 1963 March on Washington, and the Watts Uprising. Also, we acknowledge the births of Marcus Garvey, Russell Maroon Shoatz, and Fred Hampton and the bombing of the MOVE Organization and the deaths of W.E.B du Bois, Michael Brown, Korryn Gaines, and John Crawford.
Black August is honored every year to commemorate the fallen freedom fighters of the Black Liberation Movement, to call for the release of political prisoners in the United States, to condemn the oppressive conditions of U.S. prisons, and to emphasize the continued importance of the Black Liberation struggle.
Observers of Black August commit to higher levels of discipline throughout the month. This can include fasting from food and drink, frequent physical exercise and political study, and engagement in political struggle. In short, the principles of Black August are: “study, fast, train, fight.”
Participate in 9 Days of Radical Practice With These Resources
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Sample caption: Black August honors the fallen freedom fighters of the Black Liberation Movement, abolitionists, and those who fight against systemic oppression and racism. Together, we organize toward the liberation and self-determination of Black people throughout the world.
From August 21–29, we’re commemorating Black August with @artistasfirstresponder 9 Days of Radical Practice. Tap into your radical practice, from study to meditation, and visit www.artistasfirstresponder.com/radicalpractice learn more #BlackAugust #RadicalPractice
Sample caption: Black August is honored every year to commemorate the fallen freedom fighters of the Black Liberation Movement, to call for the release of political prisoners in the United States, to condemn the oppressive conditions of U.S. prisons, and to emphasize the continued importance of the Black Liberation struggle. Observers of Black August commit to higher levels of discipline throughout the month. This can include fasting from food and drink, frequent physical exercise and political study, and engagement in political struggle. In short, the principles of Black August are: “study, fast, train, fight.”
We’re joining @artistasfirstresponder for 9 Days of Radical Practice to commemorate Black freedom fighters and abolitionists from August 21–29. Learn more by visiting www.artistasfirstresponder.com/radicalpractice #BlackAugust #RadicalPractice