BLACK AUGUST 30th ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND & THE 7th ANNUAL HAPPILY NATURAL DAY
Atlanta, GA – August 14-16, 2009
A Black Family Reunion Where Political Activism Meets Cultural Expression
August 14th Black August Poets 4 Political Prisoners
(7pm – Midnight)
Grounds Coffeehouse 898 Oak St., Atlanta, GA
This is an evening that not only highlights the beauty and creativity of our people, but also emphasizes the importance and benefits of community organizing. Poets 4 Political Prisoners is a tool used to educate through the use of poetry and hip-hop, highlighting freedom fighters and activists.
August 15th The Happily Natural Day Outdoor Festival (11am – 7pm)
South Cobb Recreation Center / 875 Six Flags Dr, Austell, GA
Celebrating its 7th year of existence, Happily Natural Day, the nationally recognized festival out of Richmond, Virginia, will spread its wings and fly to Atlanta to add an extra dose of flavor to The Black August 30th Anniversary Weekend. Happily Natural Day is a powerful summer festival dedicated to holistic health, cultural awareness and social change. Some past guests that have participated in Happily Natural Day include: Queen Afua, dead prez, Ashra Kwesi, Dr. Llaila Afrika, Rev. Phil Valentine, Del Jones, Runoko Rashidi and more.
August 15th The Black August 30th Anniversary Commemoration Concert (10pm – Until) Location TBA
Guaranteed to be one of the most powerful events of the summer, more than just a concert, this commemoration is where some of the most necessary and accomplished freedom fighters and community activists unite with some of the most relevant artists of our time to bring about a unique form of edutainment. This is where theory meets practice!
August16th Marcus Garvey RBG Family Reunion
(Noon – 6pm)
Indian Creek Lodge / 900 S Indian Creek Dr, Stone Mountain, GA
As we are aware, one of our Great Ancestors, Marcus Garvey’s birthday is on August 17th, so in the spirit of the unity in which he aimed for we will conclude the weekend with the Marcus Garvey RBG Family Reunion. The goal of the day is to have a beautiful family gathering with free food, relaxation, swimming, athletic competitions and events for the children. It’s a family affair!
WHAT IS BLACK AUGUST?
Black August originated in the concentration camps of California to honor fallen Freedom Fighters, Jonathan Jackson, George Jackson, William Christmas, James McClain and Khatari Gaulden. Jonathan Jackson was gunned down outside the Marin County California courthouse on August 7, 1970 as he attempted to liberate three imprisoned Black Liberation Fighters: James McClain, William Christmas and Ruchell Magee. Ruchell Magee is the sole survivor of that armed rebellion. He is the former co-defendant of Angela Davis and has been locked down for 40 years, most of it in solitary confinement. Prison guards assassinated George Jackson during a Black prison rebellion at San Quentin on August 21, 1971. Three prison guards were also killed during that rebellion and prison officials charged six Black and Latino prisoners with the death of those guards. These six brothers became known as the San Quentin Six. Some of the past guests who have participated in the Commemoration of Black August include: dead prez, Pam Africa, Mos Def, Boots Riley, Common, Dave Chappelle, Erykah Badu, Black Thought & Many Others.
WHAT IS HAPPILY NATURAL DAY?
Happily Natural Day, originating in Richmond, Virginia, is an African Heritage festival committed to cultural awareness, holistic health and social change. Seven years ago, we saw the need for an event that says that natural hair was something more than just the latest style, and way more than just a chic look or fashion trend. At Happily Natural Day we identify with natural hair as a statement. Locks, afros and braids are socio-cultural symbols that are used as public proclamations of self-love and deep pride in being a person of African descent, and so, through Happily Natural Day, we promote the natural beauty of African people. Happily Natural Day is a continuance of the “Black Is Beautiful” campaigns of the 1960s and 1970s – started by Elombe Brath and the African Jazz Art Society and Studio (AJASS) via its “Naturally” shows and Grandassa Models. Happily Natural Day is ultimately married to the cause of redeveloping the maximum human potential of people of African descent through information and inspiration. Our annual August festival features workshops, lectures, live music, and merchants with one of a kind products from around the globe. It inspires us to love ourselves, to support Black-owned businesses, to heal ourselves holistically, and to live for the freedom that comes with doing for self. The mission of Happily Natural Day is to raise consciousness and cultural awareness, and to inspire collective works, self-determination and social change in the African community.
Seeking African/Caribbean drummers, dancers, poets, singers etc.,
Get at us at Blackaugustweeked@gmail.com
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