08/03/2026
Are you familiar with Black August and why we at Dreaming Out Loud take part in this important cultural movement? Black August is an annual observance rooted in the Black freedom movement and shaped by the experiences of incarcerated Black organizers in California during the 1970s. It emerged collectively among politically conscious prisoners at San Quentin State Prison, including individuals associated with the Black Guerrilla Family.Black August is more than a commemorative month, Black August calls people to political education, personal discipline, community service, solidarity, remembrance, and renewed commitment to justice and liberation.
The observance was deeply influenced by the life and writings of George Jackson. His books, ‘Soledad Brother’ and ‘Blood in My Eye’, challenged readers to examine incarceration, racial injustice, political power, and human dignity. After Jackson was killed at San Quentin on August 21, 1971, his life and death became central to Black August, alongside the sacrifices of Jonathan Jackson, William Christmas, James McClain, Khatari Gaulden, and many others.
Dreaming Out Loud understands that healthy food, healthy communities, and justice are deeply connected. Food sovereignty, equitable access to fresh produce, economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, and community wellness help create neighborhoods where people thrive. Through farmers markets, farm volunteer days, food-justice conversations, youth education, healthy meals, and community fellowship, Dreaming Out Loud honors the past by investing in healthier communities today.
Join us for a monthlong commemoration of the political prisoners and freedom struggles from our past, and those we continue to deal with today. And stay tuned for more posts and information!
