Black Mothers in Power & WFA Bail Fund are partnering to raise money for our 4th Annual Black Mama's Bail Out to help incarcerated Black Moms & Femmes in honor of Mother's Day.
"Our mamas are not disposable, we need them back in our communities, they bring us love justice, healing and compassion. Together we will bring them home. Our mothers deserve restorative justice, healing and reconciliation.”
-- National Bail Out Collective
For people awaiting trial, the ability to pay bail and be released from pretrial detention can have a meaningful impact on the outcome of their case. According to a 2017 study, pretrial detention leads to a 13% increase in being convicted, a 41% increase in the amount of non-bail court fees owed and a 42% increase in the length of the incarceration sentence. The accused are often forced to turn to predatory bail bondsmen who charge non-refundable premiums, and force the accused, along with their friends and family to give up substantial privacy, along with many property rights. Ultimately draining more resources from already cash strapped communities.
According to a report on the state of the criminal justice system in the state of Delaware, “African American men, women, and children represent a disproportionately high number of individuals detained prior to trial, representing 56 percent of the pretrial detention population despite comprising only 22 percent of the state population.” Even spending 24 hours in jail can worsen long term outcomes, but the same report found that over 65% of those detained wait at least 30 days until trial, and 3% wait over a year. Sitting in pretrial detention effects employment, caregiving, bills, along with the emotional and physical wellbeing of the accused. Nearly 20% of women in Delaware's prison's are awaiting trial or sentencing.
This all contributes to the cycles of poverty and criminality in lower income neighborhoods in Wilmington. Our goal is to help break that cycle.
Let's free some Moms this Mother's Day, and get them home!