Black August originated in California prisons in the 1970s as a month of reflection and a time to honor political prisoners, freedom fighters, and martyrs of the Black freedom struggle. In 2020, Black August came in the wake of Black Lives Matters protests against police brutality and racism sparked by the murder of George Jackson. While Black Americans observe Black August, they are also bracing for the months and years ahead.

Troy 4 Black Lives will emcee, bringing historical context to the day’s events. Luz Marquez-Benbow from I Am Negrx led a teach-in on the history of Black August. Amani O+ and Genesis Cooper will bring the healing powers of art and music. Our many partners will offer resources for COVID-19 safety, water justice, blood pressure checks, herbal remedies, kids arts activities, census form guidance, protest safety and much more. We are especially grateful to Urban Grief for offering emergency counseling to those impacted by ongoing gun violence in our communities.

Co-sponsored by People’s Health Sanctuary, a project of NATURE Lab at The Sanctuary for Independent Media, Troy 4 Black Lives, I am Negrx, Urban Grief, Troy Central Little League, SNUG, NAACP Troy, Troy Bike Rescue, Street Medics and more.

About the People’s Health Sanctuary

As part of the Sanctuary for Independent Media’s growing NATURE Lab, the People’s Health Sanctuary’s goal is to establish a central space to share health skills, provide basic integrative care and explore ways to build networks of community health. This project has been created in direct response to the NATURE Lab Environmental Education Center Community Design Think Tank, which identified the critical need for self-care and resources for care in the community.

The People’s Health Sanctuary is focused on the care we share, need and desire. So many of us give care to loved ones, children, those suffering in our lives, those we want to be well, in our work lives, at home, in ourselves and beyond. Though caring for our elders, our children, or cooking soul-nourishing food for family or friends may not be deemed ‘real’ healthcare, they know that in fact, it’s what holds us together and keeps us sane.n a time where self-care can become co-opted by messages of consumerism; we want to create a space that truly nourishes ourselves and each other.

We’ll offer an array of health modalities you can experience and a space where you can share care as well, if you choose. We’ll also offer free blood pressure screenings and train you on how to take your own blood pressure!

Led by JJ Luceno and Dr. Frank Coughlin, out growing network sharing skills to build a space where creative, joyful health is possible and accessible.

We are committed to lowering the barriers to access for events at The Sanctuary for Independent Media. For people who are hard of hearing or deaf, blind or low-vision, or whose physical limitations can interfere with a satisfying experience, let us know two weeks in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements.