8 local orgs crowdfunded to bail out ‘mamas’ from jail this Mother’s Day

Here’s your yearly reminder that this Sunday is Mother’s Day!

As much as gifts like chocolate and flowers can be appreciated, spending time with our moms can mean so much more. Unfortunately for some mothers, specifically those who are in jail or prison because of not being able to pay bail, it’s just not possible for them to spend that quality time.

It’s why a national effort called National Mama’s Bail Out Day is celebrating Mother’s Day this year by organizing various cities to raise money to bail out as many mothers as possible. In Philly, a number of organizations, including Philadelphia Student Union, Philadelphia Black History Collaborative and Black Lives Matter Philadelphia, have come together to start their own crowdfunding page to join the national movement.

As of writing, they’ve raised $15,047 in three days from an initial goal of $6,000, which the page says will be able to “bail out over 10 mamas.”

Lifting up @Maryhooks & @ignitekindred for their guiding vision for Mama's Bail Out Day. You can support Philly here https://t.co/43jNsnzXU5 pic.twitter.com/8CFnAWSYdw

— Philly Student Union (@215studentunion) May 10, 2017

In addition to raising money, the national movement is also about raising awareness to the cash bail system, something that all seven Democratic candidates in Philly’s district attorney race have been pushed to reform. The No215Jail Coalition has an online petition to end the cash bail system in Philly, with more than 2,300 signatures out of a goal of 3,000.

It’s part of the local discussions that are taking place to recognize and address the problems with our city’s criminal justice system, including recidivism and reentry.

“Our corrupt justice system forces innocent people who pose no threat to purchase their freedom,” said Ruth Jeannoel, a community organizer who is featured in a video introducing National Mama’s Bailout Day. “The costs are devastating. Women oftentimes lose their homes, jobs or even children, just to be found innocent. … We cannot raise our families in communities if our mamas are locked away.”

Watch the full video below.