FILE - Georgia Jackson, center, accompanied by the Rev. Cecil Williams, right, of Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco, arrive at the Hall of Justice on Aug. 24, 1971, for a court appearance of two surviving Soledad Brothers - John Clutchette and Fleeta Drumgo. Jackson's son, George Jackson, was killed on Saturday, Aug. 21, 1971, at San Quentin prison. First celebrated in 1979, Black August was originally created to commemorate Jackson's fight for Black liberation. Fifty one years since his death, Black August is now a month-long awareness campaign and celebration dedicated to Black American freedom fighters, revolutionaries, radicals and political prisoners, both living and deceased. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

Communities around the country and in Michigan are celebrating Black August and promoting liberation of all diversities.

Anthony Baber, director of communications and culture for Detroit Action, said parts of the city have been forgotten and need support, adding Southwest Fest in Detroit is a great opportunity for community members to come join in activities and share space in imagining the ways they can better their communities, the ways they envision their communities, and a chance for them to bring about art and culture.

“What are the things that you envision?” Baber asked. “That art installation is just a fun chance for people to make their own description of what safety looks like. To add something as far as paint or drawing or even words; the things that come to mind when people imagine safety and abundance.”

Community members can come by the Detroit Action booth at Southwest Fest this Saturday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and contribute their art which will then be put together as one completed piece to signify what they feel means liberation joy and justice.

Black, brown and other marginalized communities in Michigan face several challenges. Detroit Action and other advocacy groups also strive for justice with the environment, utilities, over-policing and general wellness.

Baber emphasized people need to be caring about the betterment of their communities.

“That lack of security, that lack of safety and really that lack of joy within communities,” Baber observed. “It puts us at a deficit where we’re not able to care for ourselves or each other.”

Baber acknowledged some solutions from the city council and the mayor in Detroit have been to revitalize the forgotten and ignored areas for outsiders and newcomers. However, he believes in order for the city to thrive, it has to be supported by the people who have spent generations trying to build its communities.