Earlier this week, prisoners in Georgia and 16 other states went on strike to protest what they call modern day slavery within the prison system.

Back in the 1970s, another prison movement started in the month of August.

It became known as Black August, a time to acknowledge the political struggles of African American prisoners.

GPB's Leah Fleming interviews activist Kalonji Jama Changa

GPB's Leah Fleming speaks with Kalonji Jama Changa, the East Coast Coordinator of the Black August Commemoration Committee.

They discuss the moments that led to the creation of Black August and other historic events that took place this month.

Two Black August events are scheduled to take place on Saturday: a Black August 5k 'Run For Freedon' race and a National Black Youth Conference

 

GPB's Leah Fleming [left] with Kalonji Jama Changa [right]

GPB's Leah Fleming [left] with Kalonji Jama Changa [right] / GPB

Tags: Black August  AtlantaNewsFeed  Prisoners  Atlanta  Georgia