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Join us for BOSS’ Black August: Arc of Liberation Commemoration in 2026!​
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We are gathering artists, educators, Elders, youth, and movement builders to honor the legacy of Black August and strengthen our community. Together we will uplift the traditions of study, unity, resistance, and resilience through live performances, art installations, wellness activations, and the Black Market of Black-owned businesses.
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This commemoration stands on the four pillars of Art, Culture, Political Education, and Economic Empowerment, and centers the voices of our brothers and sisters still behind the walls. It is a day of remembrance and a practice of liberation — celebrating the powerful contributions of those who continue to shape our collective future.
Join Us in the Arc
Will you stand in the Arc of Liberation with us? Each August, Oaklanders gather for the Arc of Liberation Commemoration, a living space for history, study, organizing, healing, and collective power.​
Black August is a commemoration born from struggle, vision, and sacrifice. Since 1979, it has served as a month of study, unity, fasting, and remembrance for fallen freedom fighters, political prisoners, and all those who gave their lives to the cause of Black liberation.
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BOSS stands as a conduit in this mission, creating space where art, culture, political education, and economic empowerment align with the truth of Black August.
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The Arc of Liberation
In 2021, BOSS unveiled the Arc of Liberation mural in Oakland. The mural honors the legacy of George Jackson, Jonathan Jackson, Khatari Gaulden, the San Quentin Six, and countless others whose resistance shaped generations.
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At the center is George Jackson, revolutionary educator, thinker, and organizer, assassinated at San Quentin on August 21, 1971. His words, his vision, and his sacrifice moved behind walls and across continents. Through the Arc of Liberation, we honor him and all freedom fighters who gave their lives to resistance and self-determination.
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Four Pillars of BOSS' Black August
The Arc of Liberation Commemoration is built upon four guiding pillars:
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Art – Honoring creation as a force of survival and truth.
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Culture – Holding memory and joy as practices of liberation.
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Political Education – Grounding ourselves in study and discipline.
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Economic Empowerment – Building pathways for community strength and self-sufficiency.
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What to Expect in 2026
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The Black Market of Black-owned vendors and entrepreneurs.
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Political Education and workshops rooted in abolition and liberation.
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Live performances from artists committed to resistance and healing.
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Elders honored for their wisdom and contributions.
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Voices lifted for brothers and sisters still imprisoned.
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Wellness services and healing spaces for the community.
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Get Involved
Black August is a collective practice. Every hand and every voice strengthens the work.
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Volunteer – Serve the community and uphold the tradition.
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Vendors & Performers – Share your art, culture, and knowledge.
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Partners & Sponsors – Invest in the principles of healing, justice, and community strength.
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Donate – Support this work. Text BOSSBAYAREA to 53-555.
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Partnership and Sponsorship
Black August: Arc of Liberation Commemoration is powered by solidarity and shared commitment. Sponsorship affirms liberation as a living practice that spans generations. Partnership builds the conditions for healing, education, and collective power.
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When you sponsor Black August, you support free community programs that are rooted in art, culture, political education, and economic empowerment. You amplify Black-owned businesses in the Black Market. You invest in political education and healing activations that reach thousands of people. You keep the voices of incarcerated brothers and sisters present in our work.
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Become a partner today, and sponsor BOSS in building the Arc of Liberation.​
Thank You to Our Sponsors! & Vendors
Your support strengthens the heart of this movement. As a Black August sponsor, you are part of a legacy—investing in healing, justice, and joy rooted in community. You help ensure that our teams stay on the ground, that our voices stay amplified, and that our people stay seen.
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We invite others to join this work. Partner with BOSS to keep building what’s already working. Sponsor this year’s Black August Block Party and stand alongside a community committed to liberation.
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George Jackson and the origins of Black August
George Jackson was a Field Marshal of the Black Panther Party while he was incarcerated in San Quentin Prison in California. Jackson was an influential revolutionary and his assassination at the hands of a San Quentin prison guard was one of the primary catalysts for the inception of Black August.
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At the age of 18, George Jackson was condemned to a prison sentence of one year to life for the alleged robbery of $70 from a Los Angeles gas station. Jackson spent the remainder of his short life behind bars, but it was from the confines of prison that he became one of the most powerful revolutionary voices and one of the greatest living threats to the American capitalist system. Jackson’s autobiographical book of prison letters, titled Soledad Brother, would become a touchstone of Black revolutionary thought for generations of radicals within and outside the prison-industrial complex.
As Field Marshal of the Black Panther Party and one of the organization's principal thinkers, Jackson's philosophy and strategy for revolution lit the path to armed struggle taken by the Black Liberation Army and other organizations. On the 52nd anniversary of his killing by prison authorities, TRNN Editor-in-Chief Maximillian Alvarez joins Rattling the Bars to speak with host Mansa Musa about Jackson's towering life and example, and about the impact Jackson’s work had on Mansa, on our departed mentor and fellow political prisoner Marshall “Eddie” Conway, and on their incarcerated comrades.
Take A Listen to the Performers of BOSS' Black August Commemorations!
Prepare for the soulful beats and powerful voices of BOSS' Black August Performers, both past and present. This specially curated playlist brings together an eclectic mix of artists who have graced our stage with their remarkable talents. From smooth R&B melodies to energetic hip-hop rhythms, this playlist is a musical journey that embodies the spirit of Black liberation and community unity.
Let the captivating sounds of these incredible performers fill your soul and uplift your spirits. Join us in celebrating the richness and diversity of Black culture as we honor the legacy of Black August.
BOSS Bay Area Black August Block Party
The 4th Annual BOSS Bay Area Black August Block Party "STRATEGY" was a beautiful display of community. The Block Party shines a light on Black visionaries and brings people together for an amazing day full of joy, love, innovation, and high spirits!
We are grateful for the generosity of the businesses and individuals who helped make BOSS Black August Block Party a success through their beautiful performances, offerings, resources, and SHOWING UP!
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Remember, this event – and the work BOSS does with families and youth throughout the year – is made possible with your support!