Thug Life Army

“Let us continue to build uncompromising unity and resistance through spiritual renewal and revolutionary inspiration this Black August as we honor all those who have fought and died for our freedom and self-determination.”

Mama Kiilu Nyasha

The concept Black August, grew out of a need to expose the glorious and heroic deeds of the Afrikan women and men who recognized and struggled against the injustices placed upon people of color on a daily basis.

Black August was first organized to honor the fallen revolutionaries who attempted to free the Soledad Brothers from the Marin County Courthouse on August 7, 1970. One of the revolutionaries Jonathan Jackson was quoted saying, “Take a picture of us we are revolutionaries.” A collective consciousness fell upon the black community and a movement was born.

The organizers of Black August recognized the trends of significant revolutionary movements all happening in August. The first noted was the Haitian Revolution in August 1791 led by Toussiant L’Ouverturement, which was the first and only successful slave revolution in history. On August 21, 1831 the explosive rebellion of Nat Turner turned southern society inside out. The Seminole American wars were waged across Florida between White and Native Americans, this war ended August 14, 1842. The Native Americans were known to mix with and protect the slave refugees. August 11-16 1965, the Watts riots emerged and evoked a shadow over the black community in Los Angeles Ca. These rebellions were staged in response to the brutal police attacks on the people of the community. August 5, 1970 The Black Panther Party’s minister of defense, Huey P. Newton spent four years in prison before winning his release on a $50,000 bail. 

For over 20 years, Black August celebrations have been held world wide, (New York, San Francisco, Cuba and New Orleans). This year Houston is proud to be apart of and host Black August International South. Houston’s independent spirit will lend a new voice to the Black August experience. Let us continue to build uncompromising unity and resistance through spiritual renewal and revolutionary inspiration this Black August as we honor all those who have fought and died for our freedom and self-determination.

B.A.I.S. 2005

BLACK AUGUST INTERNATIONAL SOUTH

“ WARRIOR’S ON THE HORIZON “

August 18-21, 2005

Houston, TX

August 18, 2005/Thursday/ 6:30-9:30 p.m.

* National Black United Front - 2428 Southmore Blvd.

Black August International South Meet and Greet

*Organization Introduction

*Film Presentation

*Commentaries/Updates on:

Afrikan Freedom Fighters (Past & Present)

August 19, 2005/friday/ 8:00 p.m. - 4:00 a.m.

* Eldorado Ballroom - 2310 Elgin St.

Hosted by: Houston’s Black Out Arts Collective

*Spoken Word /After Set

August 20, 2005/Saturday

* S.H.A.P.E. Community Center - 3815 Live Oak St.

Youth Forums 11:30 a.m.– 5:30 p.m.

* Sex and Hip-Hop

* Combating the Genocide of our Youth

* Art and the Movement

*Eldorado Ballroom– 2310 Elgin St.

B.A.I.S. Concert/After Set 8p.m.-4a.m./$10 cover

Performances by: (Joe Lee McCoy, Savvi, S.M.U.G.G.L.A.Z., E-quality, Miss Keshia, Tolsin, Saida and more)

August 21, 2005/Sunday/ 12noon-6 p.m.

* Our Park(S.HA.P.E.)-3815 Live Oak St.

“Block Party for the People”