THIRD WARD, Houston, TX – August 25, 2024: On a scorching Sunday, with temperatures soaring to 94°F and a heat index near 120°F, the Third Ward community gathered at Peggy Park to observe Black August—a month-long commemoration of Black liberation movements. Organized by All Neighborhoods Powerfully United (ANPU) in collaboration with the Huey P. Newton Gun Club, Houston Chapter (HPNGCH), the event focused on physical fitness, disaster preparedness, and political education.
Understanding Black August
Black August is a time of reflection on the struggles and triumphs of Black freedom fighters, rooted in events like the Attica prison uprising and the life of George Jackson. It began in California to honor the lives and sacrifices of political prisoners, particularly Jackson, who was killed in San Quentin Prison in August 1971. The observance began as a way to reflect on the struggles for Black liberation, commemorate the actions of freedom fighters, and focus on political education, self-discipline, and solidarity. Over time, it has evolved into a broader movement for awareness and resistance within and outside of prison walls. It serves as a call to action for continued vigilance in the fight for racial justice.
Event Overview
The day began with a morning yoga session in Peggy Park led by Aisha Shahid, setting a calm and focused tone despite the rising heat. By 2:00 PM, the HPNGCH led an intense fitness training session, which included running with rucksacks, jumping jacks, push-ups, and mountain climbers. The extreme heat made the workout challenging, with members pausing for breaks as needed. Cold water and air conditioning was provided for any in need and everyone continued safely into the next sessions.
Following the physical training, participants received a detailed briefing on preparing a bug-out bag for emergencies like evacuations or natural disasters. This session emphasized the importance of readiness, with recommendations on essential items like first aid kits, non-perishable food, and water purification tools. One very interesting feature was the demonstration of proper tourniquet application.
Impact and Reflections
The event had a significant impact on the community, revealing the physical stressors some participants could face in a survival scenario. Despite the workout being relatively mild with cold water and ample breaks, it underscored the need for better physical preparedness in the face of potential emergencies. The dedication of the HPNGC members stood out, as they offered this valuable training freely to the community—a service that might be difficult or costly to find elsewhere.
The event also highlighted the simplicity of teaching and learning when there is a willingness to come together. Even under harsh conditions, the community demonstrated that where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Political Education
The training session concluded with a discussion on political education, where an HPNGC member introduced a list of books that had been influential during his time in prison. He shared how many incarcerated individuals spend their time reading and improving themselves, offering a unique perspective on how imprisonment can sometimes cultivate wisdom through study. Multiple dozens of titles were laid out for everyone to peruse. Partial list below:
- The Wretched of the Earth - by Frantz Fanon
\Published in 1961, "The Wretched of the Earth" is a powerful critique of colonialism and its psychological effects on the colonized. Fanon argues for the decolonization process, emphasizing the need for violence in overthrowing colonial powers and reclaiming indigenous identity. The book has been influential in anti-colonial movements worldwide.
- The Black Jacobins: Toussaint L'Ouverture and the San Domingo Revolution - by C.L.R. James
This seminal work, first published in 1938, chronicles the Haitian Revolution, led by Toussaint L'Ouverture, and its impact on the abolition of slavery. James explores the revolution’s global significance and its influence on the struggle for freedom throughout the Caribbean and beyond. The book is a critical text in studies of both colonialism and revolutionary movements.
- The Destruction of Black Civilization: Great Issues of a Race from 4500 B.C. to 2000 A.D. - by Chancellor Williams
Chancellor Williams’ 1971 book offers a detailed historical analysis of the rise and fall of African civilizations over millennia. Williams examines how external invasions and internal strife contributed to the decline of African societies and the subjugation of its people. The book serves as both a historical reference and a call to action for African self-determination.
- The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America - by Richard Rothstein
"The Color of Law," published in 2017, investigates how U.S. federal, state, and local governments have systematically enforced segregation through housing policies. Rothstein dispels the myth that segregation was solely the result of private practices, showing that government actions played a critical role. The book is a crucial resource for understanding the legal and historical roots of racial inequality in America.
"Soledad Brother" is a collection of letters written by George Jackson, an African-American revolutionary, while incarcerated in Soledad Prison. Published in 1970, the letters reveal Jackson’s transformation from a petty criminal to a committed revolutionary thinker and activist. The book provides a poignant critique of the American prison system and its role in perpetuating racial oppression.
- Assata: An Autobiography - by Assata Shakur
In this autobiography, published in 1987, Assata Shakur recounts her life as a member of the Black Panther Party and the Black Liberation Army. She details her experiences with racism, activism, and her controversial trial and conviction, ultimately leading to her escape and exile in Cuba. The book is both a personal narrative and a political manifesto.
- Mentacide - by Mwalimu K. Bomani Baruti
"Mentacide" explores the psychological warfare that has been waged against African people through cultural and ideological domination. Baruti argues that this mental colonization, or "mentacide," is a deliberate strategy to suppress African consciousness and identity. The book calls for a reclaiming of African thought and self-determination.
- The Secret Relationship Between Blacks and Jews, Volume One - by The Nation of Islam Historical Research Department
Published by the Nation of Islam in 1991, this book claims to document the involvement of Jewish individuals and organizations in the transatlantic slave trade. The book has been highly controversial and widely criticized for promoting anti-Semitic views. It remains a point of debate in discussions of Black-Jewish relations.
- Message to the Blackman in America - by Elijah Muhammad
"Message to the Blackman in America," published in 1965, is a foundational text of the Nation of Islam, written by its leader Elijah Muhammad. The book outlines the religious and political beliefs of the Nation, urging African-Americans to embrace Islam and reject the oppression of white society. It has been a significant influence in African-American religious and political thought.
- Blood in My Eye - by George Jackson
"Blood in My Eye," published posthumously in 1972, is a collection of George Jackson’s writings and reflections on revolution, fascism, and the struggle for liberation. Written while Jackson was imprisoned, the book expresses his revolutionary fervor and belief in armed resistance. It has become an iconic work in the literature of Black liberation.
"Yurugu" is a comprehensive critique of European cultural thought and its impact on African societies. Marimba Ani argues that European culture is fundamentally destructive and incompatible with African values. The book advocates for a return to African-centered ways of thinking and living.
- The ISIS Papers: The Keys to the Colors - by Dr. Frances Cress Welsing
"The ISIS Papers," published in 1991, presents Dr. Frances Cress Welsing’s theories on race, color, and racism. She posits that white supremacy is a global system rooted in a fear of genetic annihilation by people of color. The book is a controversial and influential work in discussions of race and power dynamics.
This book provides a broad overview of African history and civilizations from ancient times to the modern era. John G. Jackson highlights the achievements and contributions of African peoples, challenging the Eurocentric narrative of history. The book is a valuable resource for those interested in African history and cultural studies.
- How Europe Underdeveloped Africa - by Walter Rodney
Walter Rodney’s 1972 book is a classic analysis of the impact of European colonialism on Africa. Rodney argues that colonial exploitation systematically underdeveloped the continent, stripping it of resources and stunting its economic growth. The book remains a foundational text in studies of African history and development economics.
Looking Ahead
ANPU has more community trainings scheduled monthly with guest speakers covering a variety of topics each forcussing on different aspect of preparedness while continuing to include a physical training component. Next month’s topic will build on the foundation laid during this session, further equipping the community with the knowledge and skills needed for self-reliance.
Reflecting on the success of the day, Aisha Shahid noted, “It was a day full of training and education. Let's keep this up and continue to show up for yourselves in the community because no one is coming to save you. You are the first responder for your life. In honor of George Jackson and all of the other black political prisoners, we will continue to study, fast, train, and fight for the liberation of our people.”