HCHC Hosts Black August Events Celebrating History, Culture, and Community
August 6, 2026, Albany, Hudson, Catskill, NY — The Hudson Catskill Housing Coalition (HCHC) will host a series of Black August events throughout the month, inviting residents across the Capital Region and Hudson Valley to come together for conversations, cultural celebration, community building, and service.
Black August is an annual observance honoring the history of Black resistance, liberation, and self-determination. Established in the late 1970s by incarcerated activists in California, Black August commemorates the lives and sacrifices of Black freedom fighters while encouraging political education, community engagement, wellness, and collective action. Today, it is recognized across the country as a time to reflect on the past, celebrate Black culture, and strengthen communities through learning and service.
"Black August reminds us that history is not just something we study. It is something we carry forward," said Matthew Felton, Board Member of the Hudson Catskill Housing Coalition. "These events create opportunities for people to learn, celebrate, build relationships, and take action together. We invite everyone to join us as we honor Black history while investing in the future of our communities."
HCHC's Black August series includes educational conversations, cultural programming, community meals, and opportunities to support others through acts of solidarity.
Free Community Lunch
Wednesday, August 12
12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Second Baptist Church, 458 Main St, Catskill, NY
Join HCHC and community partners for a free community lunch, fellowship, and conversation. Everyone is welcome.
Black August Fireside Chat
Thursday, August 13
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Albany Free School, 8 Elm Street, Albany, NY
Explore Albany's Black history, legacy, and the lessons we can learn from our past during an engaging fireside conversation featuring Alÿcia Bacon, Community Engagement Officer (Equity & Inclusion) at the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, and Lacey Wilson, Project Manager of the Teen Museum Studies Program at the Underground Railroad Education Center in Albany.
Register: https://bit.ly/hchc-albany-fireside
Back-to-School Community BBQ
Saturday, August 15
12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Hop-O-Nose, 32 Bronson Street, Catskill, NY
Families are invited to enjoy a free afternoon of food, music, community resources, and activities as students prepare for the new school year. The event is an opportunity to connect with neighbors, celebrate the end of summer, and support local families.
Sounds of Blackness Dance Party
Saturday, August 15
8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
The Avalon Lounge, 29 Church Street, Catskill, NY
Close out the evening with Sounds of Blackness, a celebration of Black music and culture featuring house, soul, disco, and R&B from legendary DJs. The evening will also celebrate the 54th birthday of Elliott Matos, Managing Director of HCHC. Community members are invited to dance, connect, and celebrate Black August together.
Register: https://bit.ly/rsvp4sob
Letter Writing to Incarcerated People
Thursday, August 20
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
THE HUB, 47 N. 5th Street, Hudson, NY
Participate in a powerful evening of writing letters to Karmelo Anthony, offering words of encouragement, hope, and solidarity while recognizing the importance of maintaining community connections.
HCHC encourages residents of all ages to participate throughout the month. Whether attending a community conversation, celebrating through music, sharing a meal, or writing a letter of encouragement, every event reflects the spirit of Black August: honoring history, strengthening community, and working toward a more just future.
For event details, registration information, and updates, visit www.hudsoncatskillhousing.org or contact hchc@hudsoncatskillhousing.org.
About the Hudson/Catskill Housing Coalition
The Hudson/Catskill Housing Coalition is a Black-led nonprofit advancing housing justice, education equity, and criminal justice reform across the Hudson Valley and Capital Region. HCHC leads the Albany Free School and works across generations to build grassroots power through organizing, advocacy, and cultural programming. In partnership with community members, HCHC creates space for Black, Brown, low-income, and working-class families to thrive.
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Media Contact:
Hudson/Catskill Housing Coalition
communications@hudsoncatskillhousing.org