Why did I want to participate in this project to free mothers from prison? I want society to see and hear from the mothers that end up behind bars because of lack of resources. I believe that law enforcement is too aggressive on women that have non-violent offences and are cyclically experiencing poverty – because they aren’t able to make bail. It’s unnerving to learn that women who come into the criminal justice system are also usually living on the margins and are more likely than men to be victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. I believe that these women may be better served by drug treatment or mental health counseling than prison sentences that can shatter already fragile families.
When people hold my poster, what do I want them to think, feel, and do? I want everyone viewing my posters to feel inclined to fight to ensure that the criminal justice system treats women fairly, protects their health, offers more resources, and facilitates a successful reentry into their communities. I want people to donate money to bail out black mothers and caregivers for mother’s day. Please follow this link to purchase art & donate: justseeds.org/product/i-have-the-power
The People’s Paper Co-op collaborated with the Philadelphia Community Bail Fund on their Mama’s Day Bail Out campaign. The PPC organized exhibitions, parades, press conferences, and events to raise awareness and funds for their campaign while sharing the stories, dreams, and demands of formerly incarcerated women with thousands of Philadelphians. In just two weeks in 2018, the Bail Fund helped free 15 women for Mother’s Day. Let’s do it again in 2019 in partnership with the Reentry Advocacy Fellowship. PURCHASE POSTERS HERE AND HELP FREE MOTHERS FOR MOTHERS DAY!
Update: So far in May 2019 the PPCO raised $20,000 to bail black mothers out of prison. The #PhiladelphiaCommunityBailFund and the #PeoplesPaperCoop transformed an empty bus stop into a welcome home party and pop-up exhibit to welcome all the mothers and caregivers who were freed for mother’s day.
