About Us
Black August Los Angeles
Black and Brown Prison Alliance
An unprecedented alliance was forged between African Americans and Latino prisoners after a tragic fire caused the death of a Latino family. Two women and three children died in the 09/07/91 Watts housing project fire. The tragedy ignited Black & Brown residents in the California community. realizing the potential for a violent reaction among prisoners, members of BACDO and COPA (Chicano Organization Pintos Azlan) took the initiative to organize a fundraiser among all prisoners to help the Zuniga family and Gregory Moore, a Black man who was mistakenly shot by Mr. Zuniga while trying to help the family.
Nearly $2,000 was raised within two weeks among prisoners and a few prisoners and a few prison guards who made donations. The collective outpouring of support laid the foundation for African and Latino prisoners from Southern California, who historically are rivals both in prison and on the streets, to begin the sensitive process of working together to support each other's endeavors.
The selfless actions of these brothers influenced a group of students from Cal State LA to visit the prison to learn how they could continue to build Black & Brown relationships in the community reflecting what BACDO and COPA had initiated in prison.
International Council for Urban Peace, Justice and Empowerment
Men and Women of every nationality, activist, healers, former gang members, clergy, community organizers, government officals and philanthropist from every part of the country came together in Kansas City, MO in 1993 to discuss the lack of opportunities and the rampant internal and external violence crippling our communities.
The results of that extraordinary gathering was the formation of the council represented by community-based organizations across the country advocating for constructive urban policies that will dismantle the existing maladies impeding progress and growth for urban communities. BACDO is an integral part of that process.