In the iron grip of America’s prison-industrial complex, where Black bodies have been warehoused as political currency since the end of slavery, two forces stand eternal: the unyielding spirit of George Jackson and the month-long observance of Black August.
As we navigate early 2026, the world remains gripped by economic warfare and systemic repression. For the men of Black Men Matter, this history isn’t just a memory—it is a blueprint for kings who refuse to bow. Understanding the connection between George Jackson and Black August is essential for any modern movement toward liberation.
George Jackson: The Dragon Philosopher Behind Bars
Born in 1941, George Lester Jackson was a brilliant mind trapped in a system designed to crush him. At age 18, he was sentenced to an “indeterminate” term of one year to life for stealing $71 from a gas station. He would spend the next 11 years in California prisons, including seven and a half years in solitary confinement.
Instead of breaking, Jackson transformed. He became a Field Marshal for the Black Panther Party and a co-founder of the Black Guerrilla Family (BGF). His writings from prison, Soledad Brother and Blood in My Eye, became global manifestos against racism and capitalism.
The Statistics of Systemic Capture
The reality George Jackson fought against has only intensified. To understand the scale of the struggle, consider these 2026 baseline figures:
- Incarceration Rates: Black men are incarcerated at nearly 5 times the rate of white men.
- Economic Impact: A single conviction can reduce lifetime earning potential by over $500,000, fueling a cycle of poverty.
- Solitary Confinement: Despite reforms, thousands of Black men remain in “administrative segregation,” similar to the conditions that forged Jackson’s resolve.
Black August: Honoring Resistance, Building Power
Born in 1979 within the California prison system, Black August commemorates the sacrifices of liberation fighters. It is a month of discipline, not celebration.
Key Dates of Resistance:
- August 7: Jonathan Jackson’s 1970 courthouse rebellion.
- August 21: The assassination of George Jackson (1971).
- August 21 – September 9: The link between Nat Turner’s Rebellion (1831) and the Attica Uprising (1971).
During this month, we are called to Study, Train, and Fight. This means fasting, physical conditioning, and deep study of revolutionary texts. In 2026, Black August has expanded to include global solidarity movements, highlighting the link between local police violence and international struggles.
Wear the Movement: Honor the fallen and the fighters with ourBlack August Liberation Tee.
2026 Reflection: A Call to Action for Black Kings
George Jackson famously said, “The oppressor is very strong… but it will be physically impossible for the oppressor to go on.” In 2026, we honor this legacy by moving beyond nostalgia and into action:
- Study: Revisit radical texts by Jackson, Fanon, and Rodney.
- Train: Discipline your body and mind to resist the stressors of modern society.
- Abolish: Support movements that demand accountability and an end to the “warehouse” system of incarceration.
For a powerful visual breakdown of the origins of this movement and the sights of the 1970s resistance, watch this historical tribute to Black August.
Join the Resistance
Black Men Matter stands firm: True power comes from turning chains into weapons of liberation. Jackson didn’t die for us to remain silent. He died so we could live upright and revolutionary.
What Jackson quote or Black August practice resonates with you most? Drop a comment below. Study, fast, train, fight—then rise.