We dedicate this Black August to our beloved revolutionary ancestor, Dr. Mutulu Shakur. Born Jeral Wayne Williams on August 8th, 1950, Mutulu Shakur was a loving father and grandfather, revolutionary acupuncturist, human rights organizer, and former political prisoner of war. He is a founder of the New Afrikan People’s Organization (NAPO) and the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement (MXGM). Mutulu’s life was transformative to the many people he organized, healed, mentored and inspired. Dr. Mutulu Shakur taught us that “people struggle for liberation because they love [the] people.” Mutulu Skakur made his transition on July 7th, 2023 surrounded by family, comrades, and loved ones. He will always be remembered for his continued commitment to an independent and socialist New Afrika and for his battle cry, Straight Ahead!
We also dedicate this month to New Afrikan revolutionary, now ancestor, Sekou Odinga. Sekou Odinga was a devoted Muslim, who understood that his political commitment to free the land was aligned with his faith’s call to stand against oppression and genocide. Sekou was a Black Liberation Army combatant in the New Afrikan Independence Movement. Sekou Odinga dedicated his life to the struggle for our people and building international support for Black liberation. Our grassroots general, former political prisoner, gentle giant, beloved comrade, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, made his return to Allah surrounded by family and comrades on January 12th, 2024. Be Sekou.
Lastly, dedicate this month to all of our political prisoners, prisoners of war, and political exiles. Assata Shakur teaches us that “we must make the liberation of political prisoners a number one priority.” Throughout Black August, we will elevate and honor our freedom fighters behind the walls and engage our people in the fight to bring them home and free all political prisoners. What’s the call? #FreeEmAll!
The Black August 2023 Handbook is for communities to learn and engage in the commemorative Black August Tradition. It is yours. We encourage you to read it, click on the resources, and share its content.
The Malcolm X Grassroots Movement is an organization of Afrikans in America/New Afrikans whose mission is to defend the human rights of our people and promote self-determination in our community. We understand that the collective institutions of white-supremacy, patriarchy and capitalism have been at the root of our people’s oppression.
