Grassroots Leadership is proud to join forces with Black-led organizations across 19 states for the annual #FreeBlackMamas campaign by the National Bail Out collective that seeks to raise awareness about money bail's human and financial costs and emphasize its impact on Black mothers and caregivers. We are proud of our partnership with organizations like BLMP - Black LGBTQIA+ Texas Migrant Project and Texas Advocates for Justice to do our part in reuniting Black mamas with their loved ones and shower them with love, appreciation, and support during these challenging times. 

Some of our members and volunteers have been with us every step of the way. One of those members is Sandra with Texas Advocates for Justice in Houston, Texas. As a directly impacted mother, she advocates for Black mamas and caregivers to bail out with us. 

Like many others navigating the system, Sandra's experience has been challenging. But Sandra found a network of support to help her along the way. In her conversation with us, Sandra explained that working with Participatory Defense while holding a retail job seemed daunting and expensive. Those expenses added more stress and uncertainty to her experience of getting her child out of jail. 

The pretrial process for Sandra to get her son out of jail was very dehumanizing, not just for her son, but for Sandra, too. Not knowing what to do or who to talk to at TDJC was also very overwhelming. 

One highlight Sandra mentioned was how much money it took to cover the basic necessities needed everyday. There is very little thought into toothpaste, food, hygiene products, and a routine of clothes that we need, where people inside and their families are always mentally calculating the expenses.  

Here are some ways you can support. Give the gift of freedom by making a donation to release mothers and caregivers from cages, where they are held because they can't afford bail. You can also donate to organizations like ours that provide support for folks navigating the carceral system.