# Black August observance and traditions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/black-august-observance-and-traditions > Updated: 2026-08-17T19:00:02.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 3. Black August is an observance dedicated to honoring Black history, freedom fighters, and the legacy of Black political prisoners. Originating at California’s San Quentin prison, the tradition commemorates figures such as George and Jonathan Jackson and includes activities like fasting, education, and cultural celebrations. Recent observances continue to emphasize the role of Black literacy in liberation. This includes highlighting works by Black authors, such as Cebo Campbell’s 2025 work, ‘Sky Full of Elephants’. The Center for Constitutional Rights notes that the observance honors those within the prison-industrial complex working toward the goal of abolition. The month also highlights specific histories of Black political struggle, including the experiences of Black women political prisoners. In Philadelphia, this history is linked to the radical communal group MOVE and activist Ramona Africa. Discussions often reference the August 1978 police siege in Powelton Village, an event following a shootout that remains a central point of contention regarding state intervention and the treatment of Black activists. Other key figures noted in this struggle include incarcerated journalist Mumia Abu-Jamal. Recent reflections on the Philadelphia struggle further connect these events to the era of former police commissioner Frank Rizzo, whose administration was characterized by the targeting of Black neighborhoods. ## Claims - The Center for Constitutional Rights defines Black August as a month to honor freedom fighters and those working toward abolition within the prison system. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Black August originated at San Quentin Prison in California. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Cebo Campbell is the author of Sky Full of Elephants, published in 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-17: Philadelphia history and the resistance of Black political prisoners Black August commemorates Black political prisoners, highlighting the resistance of Black women and the history of political struggle in Philadelphia involving figures like Mumia Abu-Jamal and the MOVE family. 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/black-august-highlights-history-of-black-political-prisoners ### 2026-08-13: Black August honors freedom fighters and Black political prisoners Black August commemorates Black political prisoners and freedom fighters, originating at San Quentin Prison. The month is celebrated through literature and honoring the history of abolition. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/black-august-honors-freedom-fighters-and-black-political-prisoners ### 2026-08-03: Black August and Black Philanthropy Month Celebrate Black History and Community Giving August marks Black August, honoring Black prisoners and activists, and Black Philanthropy Month, urging community giving and pay‑forward actions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/black-august-and-black-philanthropy-month-celebrate-black-history-and-community-giving --- Cite as: Black August observance and traditions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/black-august-observance-and-traditions