For Week 2 of our Black August series, we are shining a spotlight on the inspiring individuals who have shaped the narrative of this month. We are celebrating the leaders, activists, and artists who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of justice and have left an indelible mark on the struggle for equality.

✊🏿 Prominent figures in the Black August narrative

• Angela Davis: Angela Davis is a renowned scholar, activist, and author. She was a prominent member of the Black Panther Party and was imprisoned for several months in the 1970s on charges of kidnapping and conspiracy. She was ultimately acquitted of all charges. Davis is a tireless advocate for social justice and has continued to speak out against racial oppression and police brutality.
  
  
• Assata Shakur: Assata Shakur is a Black Panther Party member and political prisoner. She was convicted of murder and assault in 1973, but she escaped from prison in 1979 and has been living in exile in Cuba ever since. Shakur is a symbol of resistance and resilience, and her story continues to inspire people around the world.
  
  
• Fred Hampton: Fred Hampton was the chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. He was assassinated by the Chicago Police Department in 1969 at the age of 21. Hampton was a brilliant organizer and orator, and his death was a major loss to the Black liberation movement.

🎶 The impact of art and culture

Art and culture have played a significant role in the Black August narrative. Music, literature, and visual arts have been used to express resistance, to preserve Black history, and to educate and inspire others. Some of the artists who have contributed to the Black August narrative include:

• Nina Simone: Nina Simone was a singer, songwriter, and activist. She was known for her passionate and politically charged music, which often dealt with themes of racism, oppression, and injustice. Simone's music was an inspiration to many Black activists during the 1960s and 1970s.
  
  
• James Baldwin: James Baldwin was a novelist, essayist, and playwright. He was a vocal critic of racism and homophobia, and his work explored the complex experiences of Black people in America. Baldwin's work was an inspiration to many Black activists and artists.
  
  
• Ava DuVernay: Ava DuVernay is a filmmaker, producer, and activist. She is known for her films Selma and 13th, which both deal with the history of racism in America. DuVernay's films have been praised for their powerful storytelling and their ability to educate and inspire audiences.

❤️ Conclusion

Black August is a month of remembrance, education, and empowerment. By shining a spotlight on the inspiring individuals who have shaped the narrative of this month, we can learn from their struggles and triumphs and continue the fight for justice, equality, and liberation.

Resources:
https://www.ajc.com/news/black-august-heres-what-you-may-not-know-about-this-monthlong-celebration-of-freedom-fighters/4OMFJMCW6JCNXBRNXZB4MQS7GA/
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/aug/25/its-time-to-free-black-revolutionaries-from-us-prisons
http://www.streetsheet.org/resistance-the-meaning-of-black-august/