Black August: A Time for Self Care, Renewal and Self Preservation for Black Women

So here we are in August. Mostly everything in 2020 has been canceled, but not Black August, Covid-19 isn’t going to ruin this. In fact, I’m taking it to a different level.

What is Black August? Black August is a whole month to reflect on the lives of those in the black resistance, personal renewal, meaning and strategizing the future black liberation moves. I never knew about Black August growing up. I learned about it from my activist Howard University School of Law classmates, many of whom did grow up commemorating August as a month to renew the struggle for black liberation. 

“Settle your quarrels, come together, understand the reality of our situation, understand that fascism is already here, that people are dying who could be saved, that generations more will die or live poor butchered half-lives if you fail to act. Do what must be done, discover your humanity and your love of Revolution. Pass on the torch. Join us, give your life for the people. -George Jackson

During Black August, we commemorate the struggle for Black liberation, the sacrifice of political prisoners, and the injustice of mass incarceration, as well as remembrance of the death of George Jackson, a Black revolutionary who was assassinated by guards during a prison rebellion at San Quentin on August 21, 1971. Quentin Six veteran Sundiata Tate’s described Black August as occasion to “embrace the principles of unity, self-sacrifice, political education, physical training and resistance.””~One DC

It’s such an appropriate time to explore these topics, given the current stressful events in the United States and abroad. The Black Power Movement was never allowed nearly the recognition that the Civil Rights Movement was for fairly obvious reasons but regardless, the movements were related and both extremely important to the ongoing struggle of black people in this country. Check out this article on How the Black Power Movement Influenced the Civil Rights Movement.

“Black August, in its intent, serves as a time for Black America to come together peacefully and heal, learn, study, grow, and practice self-discipline. It is a designated time to reflect on all of the historical events of Africans that have occurred in August. Births of Dr. Mutulu Shakur and President Barack Obama as well as the deaths of W.E.B. DuBois, the Jackson brothers, and now John Crawford, Mike Brown, and Korryn Gaines are recognized as they all fall in August. The first documented Africans were brought to Jamestown as enslaved people in August of 1619. Martyr Nat Turner’s slave rebellion, Henry Highland Garnett’s slave strike, the Underground Railroad,  the March on Washington, and the Watts & Ferguson riots were all started in August as well and are points of reflection and study.” ~Black Girls Speak

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” ~Audre Lorde

As a black woman, this concept resonates with me in a special way. Although many of you know that I think the concept of “self care” can be corny, in this context it has important meaning. It’s not about doing cleanses and detoxes and having hot black rocks on your back. We desperately need to take a break. There is no way we can keep on moving at breakneck pace, taking care of our families, friends, finances and sustain any decent level of effectiveness. If we try, inevitably we will slowly decline in the best circumstances, or crash and burn in the worst.

Whether you’ve been out marching and protesting in the streets, or juggling homeschooling with telework, caring for elders or just dealing with day to day stresses, it is absolutely imperative that we take the time and effort to refresh ourselves.

“Dr. Shanesha Brooks-Tatum regards self-care as a subversive act because it allows Black women to center their own needs, which we have been unable to do historically. As she wrote in an essay for The Feminist Wire:

“It’s subversive to take care of ourselves because for centuries Black women worldwide have been taking care of others, from the children of slave masters to those of business executives, and often serving today as primary caregivers for the elderly as home health workers and nursing home employees.”” ~Evette Dionne, Ravishly

Now, of course we shouldn’t be running around to events to celebrate Black August. But our current situation presents a unique opportunity to really experience the radical act of centering ourselves and our needs, whether it’s for the entire month, or even just a few days. You can learn about Black Freedom Fighters and also take care of yourself. 

You shouldn’t feel compelled to follow the self-care recommendations of mainstream magazines if they don’t resonate with you. Because this time is YOURS. You think vagina steaming is stupid? Don’t do it. Need a professional stretching session for your tight achy muscles? Do it!

Generally, I don’t believe in things that seem punitive like diets or water measuring drinking bottles.  I prefer fitness performance (not thinking I’m “burning” calories), so I added another day per week in August. I want to eat more energy food so adding fresh vegetables to at least 2 daily meals makes more sense than trying to eliminate sugar. I also like doing things that help me look good naturally, without a lot of makeup and things so getting my eyebrows groomed and eyelashes tinted makes sense to me. Overall, one of the best ideas is to restore your strength with a relaxing, sustainable healthy living plan that truly energizes you.

It’s totally up to you. Whatever makes you feel good and feel good about yourself is fair game for your self care plan so go for it! Leave a comment and tell us what you want for yourself during Black August 2020. If you need help with your planning you can schedule a free strategy session with me to get you on track with your personal renewal.