Black August and Black Philanthropy Month Celebrate Black History and Community Giving

Black August, observed each August, honors Black history and the legacy of Black prisoners and activists. Originating in 1979 at California’s San Quentin prison by the Black Guerilla Family, the month commemorates the deaths of brothers George and Jonathan Jackson and includes fasting, reflection, education, cultural celebrations, and calls to resist white supremacist oppression.

Black Philanthropy Month, also observed in August, spotlights the tradition of giving within the global Black community. It encourages “paying it forward” through volunteering, mentoring, and modest donations, emphasizing that philanthropy is about time, talent, and kindness as much as money. The campaign notes that in 2023 only 0.07 cents of every $100 of philanthropic dollars in Canada reached Black‑led organizations, underscoring the need for broader support.

Both observances aim to amplify Black contributions, history, and solidarity across the United States and beyond.