Episode 29: The Legacy of Black August - Freedom Struggles from Prison Today

On Episode 29 of The Activist Files, Communications Assistant Alex Webster speaks with TRANScending Barriers executive director Zahara Green and Abolitionist Law Center executive director Robert "Saleem" Holbrook about what Black August means to them and the ways that they continue its legacy in their work. They discuss the importance of honoring the solemnity of the month, how current and former prisoners are the embodiment of Black August, and how we must take this moment to remember those freedom fighters who are still inside. They also highlight the ongoing work to challenge transphobia in both prisons and in organizing, the impact of COVID-19, and how abolition is an undertaking that requires entire social transformation. Resources Black political and activist prisoners: Ashley Diamond; Southern Poverty Law Center's prior case Fred "Muhammad" Burton Russell "Maroon" Shoatz; Abolitionist Law Center's case Arthur "Cetewayo" Johnson Joseph "Jo-Jo" Bowen Mumia Abu-Jamal;  Abolitionist Law Center's case Center for Constitutional Rights, Abolitionist Law Center, and others work together on a case challenging death by incarceration in Pennsylvania Articles Article on Zahara Green's case Articles on Ashley Diamond's previous case Articles on TRANScending Barriers' re-entry support work and sex work decriminalization advocacy Article on Black Philly Radical Collective action calling for release of political prisoners Organizations TRANScending Barriers Abolitionist Law Center National Jericho Movement Malcolm X Grassroots Movement Black & Pink National PREA Resource Center Human Rights Coalition Amistad Law Project Youth Art and Self-Empowerment Project Writings and publications Kuwasi Balagoon, A Soldier's Story (including article by Akinyele Umoja) Dan Berger, Captive Nation George Jackson, Soledad Brother San Francisco Bay View Bios Zahara Green started their advocacy for transgender rights while incarcerated, and has been an advocate in the transgender community for over 10 years. The co-founder and executiv