BLM activists work to free over 30 mothers from jail for ‘National Mama’s Bail Out Day’
Black Lives Matter activists have come together to free more than 30 mothers from jail in what will hopefully become a holiday tradition: National Mama’s Bail Out Day.
Black women represent a disproportionate 44% of women in jails across the United States. For many of them, the only reason they’re still in custody is because they couldn’t afford to pay the bond or fine necessary to get out. This is even the case for minor offenses including loitering.
To combat this, The Nation.
Southerners on New Ground (SONG), the Movement for Black Lives, ColorOfChange and other organizations have raised more than $25,000 to help free more than 30 women from jails across the country, according toThe funds aren’t reserved just for biological mothers. Many of us know we tend to have multiple mother figures in our lives that serve different purposes.
When we talk about black mamas, we know that mothering happens in a variety of ways,” said Mary Hooks, the co-director of project SONG who presented the idea at a meeting. “Whether it’s the mothers in the clubs who teach the young kids how to vogue, or the church mothers who took care of me.”
“All mothers are not celebrated,” said Arissa Hall, a national Mama’s Bail Out Day organizer and project manager at the Brooklyn Community Bail Fund.
The dozens of women who will be released will come from Atlanta, Los Angeles,
Houston, Minneapolis and other cities.National Mama’s Bail Out Day is yet another step for activists who hope to change the flawed criminal justice system in this country. Hopefully, it’ll inspire others to join their cause.