Black August and the Sounds of Freedom
Black August and the Sounds of Freedom
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By Neelen McMillan
This past month, Black Americans and activists nationwide celebrated Black August, a month-long commemoration of Black political prisoners, freedom fighters, and the historic acts of resistance against racist, oppressive forces across history. Fast, study, train, and fight became the core principles of Black August, paying homage to the countless sacrifices that pave the way to Black liberation. The Haitian Revolution, Nat Turner's rebellion, and the Watts rebellion have become staples of remembrance throughout the month. However, Black August didn’t find its form until the deaths of revolutionaries George and Jonathan Jackson. George was assassinated by San Quentin prison guards in August of 1971. Jonathan, his younger brother, was killed one year earlier, after launching an armed assault against the racist judicial system that continued to imprison George and his co-defendants on fictitious charges. Their sacrifices solidified August as a period of increased cultural expression and discipline to ensure our readiness in the continued fight for freedom.
Setting the tempo for Black August in Beachland Ballroom and Tavern, the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) in Cleveland put on the Sounds of Freedom. A community concert featuring seven of Cleveland's most talented music groups. The lineup consisted of 10k Movement, Nature Nvoke, Marigold Cove, Barricade Baby, Hayden Gilbert & the Ruckus, and PSL’s own community choir, the Robeson Singers. These artists provided a diverse night of performances, extending the musical lineages of culture-shifting genres born from historic Black struggles in America. Their radical expression, both musically and politically, made this lineup of artists perfect messengers to introduce a month of radical culture and history. Throughout the evening, PSL made a priority to not only entertain but also educate the audience. Never missing a chance to honor the lives and legacies of Black revolutionaries and movements that serve as inspiration and guide the contemporary Black liberation struggle.
Black August is a ceremony of struggle that bridges belief and practice; revolutionaries of the past to revolutionaries yet to come. Providing an opportunity to train those dedicated to Black Liberation through the image of our martyrs and fighters. A reminder to Black people in America of our great revolutionary potential, the role we play in the birth of a revolutionary culture, and the beautiful legacy of resistance we have inherited. The Sounds of Freedom was a brilliant and vibrant display of that culture. Hosting for Cleveland’s Black community, a night of music, joy, and radical love. The martyrdom of our great revolutionaries should not inspire feelings of defeat or loss but great discipline. Every drop of blood spilled, every comrade targeted or imprisoned must strengthen our resolve to build revolution in our lifetimes.
Setting the tempo for Black August in Beachland Ballroom and Tavern, the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) in Cleveland put on the Sounds of Freedom. A community concert featuring seven of Cleveland's most talented music groups. The lineup consisted of 10k Movement, Nature Nvoke, Marigold Cove, Barricade Baby, Hayden Gilbert & the Ruckus, and PSL’s own community choir, the Robeson Singers. These artists provided a diverse night of performances, extending the musical lineages of culture-shifting genres born from historic Black struggles in America. Their radical expression, both musically and politically, made this lineup of artists perfect messengers to introduce a month of radical culture and history. Throughout the evening, PSL made a priority to not only entertain but also educate the audience. Never missing a chance to honor the lives and legacies of Black revolutionaries and movements that serve as inspiration and guide the contemporary Black liberation struggle.
Black August is a ceremony of struggle that bridges belief and practice; revolutionaries of the past to revolutionaries yet to come. Providing an opportunity to train those dedicated to Black Liberation through the image of our martyrs and fighters. A reminder to Black people in America of our great revolutionary potential, the role we play in the birth of a revolutionary culture, and the beautiful legacy of resistance we have inherited. The Sounds of Freedom was a brilliant and vibrant display of that culture. Hosting for Cleveland’s Black community, a night of music, joy, and radical love. The martyrdom of our great revolutionaries should not inspire feelings of defeat or loss but great discipline. Every drop of blood spilled, every comrade targeted or imprisoned must strengthen our resolve to build revolution in our lifetimes.
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