August 2024 was more than just a month—it was a powerful reminder of Black resilience, liberation, and community. From the Black August Block Party to the BOSS Talks episode featuring The ArtivistKadre, this month was packed with events that educated, inspired, and brought people together. We kicked off the month with live performances from local legends like Ras Kass and Nicia De’Lovely, followed by wellness services, political education panels, and art showcases that highlighted the struggles and triumphs of Black people. These thirty-one days were a celebration of art, culture, political education, and economic empowerment—each event leaving a lasting impact.
The Legacy of Black August
Black August is not just another event but a commemoration of struggle, resistance, and the legacy of Black liberation movements. Emerging from the prison cells of the Soledad Brothers and other political prisoners in the 1970s, Black August has come to symbolize the ongoing fight against the structural violence that has oppressed Black communities for centuries. Each year, we reflect on the lives of freedom fighters like George Jackson and those lost to systemic racism and incarceration, reaffirming our dedication to dismantling the carceral state and fighting for a just future.
In Oakland, a city with deep ties to Black liberation through the Black Panther Party, the Black August Block Party feels more like a community homecoming. This year, the theme IMPACT was front and center—what does it mean to make an impact, and how do we measure it? For BOSS, the IMPACT is multifaceted. It means lifting voices, fostering economic growth, empowering political agency, and, most importantly, keeping the memory of Black August alive and relevant for future generations.
ART: The Visual and Sonic Landscape of Revolution
Art has always been a critical weapon of resistance, and this year, the Black August Block Party showcased the power of visual and sonic art in shaping revolutionary consciousness.
Derrick Bell, the event’s resident artist, created an immersive in-person experience by painting live at the Black August Block Party. Through his live creation, Bell connected with attendees in real-time, embodying the spirit of Black August as both a reflection on the past and a call for continued artistic and cultural expression.
Performances from Ras Kass, Nicia De’Lovely, and Naru Kwina electrified the crowd, blending poignant lyrics with educational messages that hit home, reminding us of our struggles and the power to create real change. Their words spoke truth to the community, highlighting the importance of staying woke to the social and political issues that affect us every day—dropping knowledge, helping us all feel more connected to our roots, and inspiring us to keep pushing for justice, not just today, but every day.
CULTURE: Honoring Our Roots and Building Bridges
Culture is the heartbeat of Black August, and 2024’s Block Party ensured that every corner of Frank Ogawa Plaza was alive with the vibrancy of Black history and future possibilities. Culture doesn’t just happen on stage; it breathes in conversations, in shared meals, and in the passing down of stories from one generation to the next.
Elaine Brown, former chairwoman of the Black Panther Party, took to the main stage to deliver one of the most poignant moments of the day. Brown's words reminded us all that liberation isn't something that can be achieved overnight; it requires a lifetime of struggle, persistence, and solidarity.
Whether children painting or elders sharing memories of past Black August events, the cultural exchange was palpable.
Thanks to local health providers dedicated to keeping our community strong, attendees had access to a range of essential health services, including free COVID-19 vaccinations, A1c testing for diabetes, and blood pressure screenings.
Nutritionists were also on-site, offering guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
At the same time, vegan food options from local Black-owned vendors highlighted the importance of nourishing our bodies with wholesome, plant-based meals. This holistic approach to health blended wellness with celebrating Black resilience.
POLITICAL EDUCATION: Raising Consciousness for Collective Liberation
While art and culture inspire, political education grounds us in action. This year’s Black August Block Party emphasized political education in ways that connected past struggles to the actions required today. Community leaders spoke with urgency about ending prison slavery, abolishing solitary confinement, and organizing for prison reform. Their lived experiences served as the foundation for deeper conversations about the future of abolitionist movements.
The impact of this year’s political education efforts was reflected in booths hosted by organizations such as the League of Women Voters, Impact the Vote, and SJC Youth Council.
Their focus on voter registration, civic engagement, and community organizing showcased the critical role that political action plays in Black liberation.
ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT: Building Collective Wealth and Breaking Barriers
One of the cornerstones of the Black August Block Party has always been the Black August Market, and 2024 was no exception. Dozens of Black-owned businesses lined the plaza, selling everything from handmade jewelry to books by Black authors. More than just a marketplace, the Black August Market symbolizes the need for economic autonomy in the fight for liberation.
Vendors like The Fly Trendsetter and BriAxBabe embodied the spirit of entrepreneurship, turning passion into a livelihood.
Economic empowerment at the Block Party is about building pathways out of poverty and dismantling the financial barriers that have disproportionately harmed Black communities for generations.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
Black August is not just a day, nor is it confined to August. It is a call to action that reverberates year-round. The fight for liberation, equity, and justice continues long after the stage is taken down and the crowds have dispersed.
Next year, we invite you to join us again—whether as a vendor, a performer, a volunteer, or an attendee. The work of liberation is collective, and every hand is needed to push forward. Black August is a reminder of our past and a forecast for our future.
Get Involved for 2025:
Volunteer: Volunteers are essential to making the Block Party successful, from setting up stages to facilitating discussions.
Donate: Your contributions allow BOSS to continue its essential work, from supporting reentry programs to funding community outreach initiatives.
Attend and Engage: Your presence matters, whether you’re attending the block party in person or amplifying our message on social media.
Sponsor: If you or your organization believe in the importance of art, culture, political education, and economic empowerment, consider sponsoring the Black August Block Party in 2025. Your support will allow us to continue making a meaningful impact.
Visit the Black August Page and sign up to stay updated for 2025.
In 2024, we made our IMPACT known. In 2025, we will amplify it. Let’s work together, united in the spirit of Black August, for a better, more just future. We owe it to the freedom fighters who came before us and to the generations yet to come.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible sponsors, hosts, and all those who generously donated gift baskets under the pillars of Black August—art, culture, political education, and economic empowerment. Your unwavering support made this year’s Black August Block Party a success.
To our host, Jeremiah Frazier, your energy and dedication created a space of unity and celebration. To our sponsors, you empowered us to amplify the message of Black liberation.
And to those who donated, your contributions enriched the experience for all, reinforcing the importance of collective action in building a brighter, more just future. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Comments