APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY DRAFT ___________________________ CITY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. ______________ C.M.S. INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBERS ROWENA BROWN & ZAC UNGER RESOLUTION IN HONOR OF THE 5TH ANNUAL BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-SUFFICIENCY (BOSS) BLACK AUGUST BLOCK PARTY; RECOGNIZING BLACK AUGUST AS A CELEBRATION OF BLACK LIBERATION, RESISTANCE, AND JOY; AND DECLARING AUGUST 30 AS “BLACK AUGUST DAY” IN THE CITY OF OAKLAND WHEREAS, Black August was initiated in San Quentin State Prison in 1979 when a group of incarcerated people came together to commemorate the deaths of brothers Jonathan P. Jackson and George Jackson at San Quentin State Prison; and WHEREAS, Black August is a month-long commemoration that honors the lives and sacrifices of freedom fighters, political prisoners, and community members who have historically resisted racial and systemic oppression; and WHEREAS, Black August stands as a testament to Black resistance, liberation, and joy, recognizing the importance of political education, cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and communal healing; and WHEREAS, the City of Oakland acknowledges the historical and ongoing significance of Black August as a time for reflection, remembrance, and reaffirmation of the fight for justice, equity, and collective liberation; and WHEREAS, Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS), a community-rooted organization based in Alameda County, has worked tirelessly since 1971 to dismantle systemic barriers and create pathways to housing, employment, education, trauma recovery, wellness, empowerment, and healing for individuals impacted by poverty, incarceration, homelessness, crime, and violence; and WHEREAS, BOSS launched the Black August Block Party in 2021 with the unveiling of a mural, “Arc of Liberation,” as a community-centered celebration and commemoration, honoring the principles of Black August while offering resources, art, education, and a safe space for expression, activism, and connection; and
2 WHEREAS, this year marks the 5th anniversary of the BOSS Black August Block Party, an event that uplifts the pillars of art, culture, political education, and economic justice, bringing together youth, elders, educators, artists, healers, and advocates from across the region; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED: That the City of Oakland honors the 5th Annual BOSS Black August Block Party, which has become a landmark event in our city; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City of Oakland recognizes Black August as a celebration of Black liberation, resistance, and joy; proclaims August 30, 2025, as Black August Day in Oakland; and urges all community members to participate, learn, reflect, and stand in solidarity with Black-led movements for justice, healing, and equity. IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE: AYES - BROWN, FIFE, GALLO, HOUSTON, RAMACHANDRAN, UNGER, WANG, AND PRESIDENT JENKINS NOES – ABSENT – ABSTENTION – ATTEST: ASHA REED City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the City of Oakland, California OCA DOCUMENT NUMBER / ATTORNEY INITIALS