AZ DOC Black August 2013 Observations.

Postmarked August 8, 2013:

"A few of us captives here in A.D.O.C. have decided to observe Black August and commit ourselves to a regimen of discipline and sacrifice, so that we can not only understand the struggles & oppression out revolutionary predecessors suffered, but fortify our wills, develop our characters and focus on more important affairs than our physical and sensual appetites.

We have all agreed that for the month of August we will observe the following standards:

- No music or television between 6am and 6pm

- No eating between 6pm and 6am

- Wake up by 6am

- Self reflection, meditation, solitude at least ½ hour per day

- Mandatory 1 hour of group study

- Mandatory 1 hour of private study

- Work out 5 days a week minimum

- No gambling

- We each have our turn to bring a “word of the day” ; a word not normally or necessarily understood so we can strengthen our vocabulary.  

- We have to organize our days into an orderly regimen, with specific, designated times for our

activities. (with common sense flexibility)

- Stop all bad habits like cursing, frivolous conversations, smoking, unhealthy diet (as much as   can be controlled ) drugs, arguing, etc.

Agreed upon penalties for bad habits violations are: owing 5 pushups to each participating member. For “major violations” of the rest of the rules, sanctions consist of: running 1 mile, no cd player/music, T.V. unplugged for a week, 2nd violation: 2 mile run, no store/commissary, no music or T.V. for a week.

It’s been 7 days in, and so far we’ve really been having a great experience. A few have had penalties for “major infractions”, and have had to do push ups. Yes, even I absentmindedly cursed and “felt the wrath” of my comrades, demanding the push ups owed to them :)

In our group sessions we’re learning a lot about the politics & oppression of commercial advertising, media and pop culture. How our behavior and ideas are subtley shaped by our environments. It’s amazing how a lot of us are criminalized and accept society’s expectations of being a drug dealer, a pimp, or a prostitute.  Teachers in low income, oppressed school districts don’t demand as much from Latino students. They don’t give emotional reinforcement to a 13 year old Black Boy because he “fits a stereotype” of “aggressiveness”.

So many problems to consider. From crime to education, to spirituality. Yet we are the ones who have to bring solutions and implement them effectively.

So, our study sessions are providing a lot of food for thought on how we can be alert to the subtle influences, and how we need to take control of our own rehabilitation & transformation processes to insure the outcome will be beneficial to ourselves, families & communities.

We look forward to a successful & fulfilling Black August and I hope to get feedback from like minded, progressive individuals and/or organizations, etc. Tell me what you think about WOMMB Institute’s ideas and proposal. What role do you think we captives can play in building our communities? How can we help each other? Are there any teachers, mentors, or lawyers out there who can add value to the much needed conversations about crime, community development and resistance against oppression & racism?

What about mothers & fathers and Grandparents?

I’d like to hear from you too.

Until next time, be at Peace and stay conscious!"

In Struggle & Solidarity,

Herukhuti - WOMMB Institute