Attending "Commemorating Black August" - Jonai Keys

Attending “Commemorating Black August” 

When I attended the event to commemorate “Black August,” I truly learned more about our history—information I would not have learned firsthand back home at my predominantly white school in Brea, CA.

Those who attended were able to hear directly from someone who was actually in the Black Panther Party. This allowed us to listen to and understand a perspective different from that of our government, which is driven by anti-communist narratives.

The power in the words of these two faculty members showed not only their passion but also the deep honor they held for those who fought against the disparities faced by our people in this racist society. Just like bell hooks' concept of “Loving Blackness,” the Black August commemoration honors those who actively loved their Blackness and demonstrated that love through political resistance, as political prisoners and freedom fighters. This highlights the argument that “loving Blackness” is not sentiment but action—political action.

Knowing that, it was beautiful to see the fire behind the eyes of the speakers. It felt as though each time they told the story, they were re-living it. A beautiful testament to memory and how honor lives on through spoken word.

- Jonai Keys, Class of 2029