On Thursday July 30th, more than a dozen advocacy organizations gathered on the steps of the Massachusetts State House to issue a report card grading the Legislature's performance on affordability, housing, climate, democracy, healthcare, immigrant rights, and other priorities, arguing that lawmakers have failed to meet the urgency of the moment as the formal legislative session began to conclude.  Although our work is not done, and the session is not over, I think it's apt to share principles from Black organizers and activists about recharging and resetting as we emerge into Black August and through the rest of the seemingly never ending legislative session. 

Black August is an annual commemoration to honor Black freedom fighters and condemn the oppressive conditions in the U.S. prison system. The main message of Black August can be reduced to four words: study, train, fast, fight. As we continue to fight for independence from exploitative fossil fuel and utility corporations it's important to train our communities how to take care of each other, study the work of organizers and activists who have laid the ground for our work, fast from things that do not serve us, and apply these skills towards our larger movement. 

Thursday’s event reminded me of what’s really important: solidarity. As we rally for our earth, we must not forget the folks that help keep it habitable, beautiful, and provide an understanding about our humanity. If you’d like to read the press release for the event please click this link. Happy Black August, from me to you. 

In solidarity,

Nurah Abdulhaqq (She/Her)

Communications Associate

350 Massachusetts