Money Is Power: Use It
The most powerful thing in the United States is money.* It sucks, but it’s true. Trump’s latest executive order? Adding the words “Goldman Sachs, woot woot” to the Pledge of Allegiance.
Voting is powerful, yes. Speaking out is powerful, yes. But in America, money talks and that “Be Kind” Instagram post walks. November is not for many more months, and the most powerful thing white people can do right now is to use our money.
If we want to aid Black Americans and fight for change — the change that is 100% white responsibility — we must use our bank accounts.
Cash Money, Let’s See it
Give according to your means. $5 or $500. Bail funds are key in the fight for injustice. Let our dear friend Meredith — bar advocate and criminal defense attorney — explain why:
Please support bail funds not because you are bailing out a protester but because you are bailing out the George Floyds in your community.
Remember: bail holds people in your community in a jail cell until they make bail, plea, or go to trial and get a not guilty. Being held on bail makes a plea much more likely. Being held on bail during a pandemic is insane.
My practice since March 16 has basically been a bunch of different bail hearings, pleading with judges that my client doesn’t deserve to die of covid-19 or serve time in jail where he or she could be infected.
Support your local bail fund.
Fight to end cash bail, and while you are doing so, here are some bail funds that would love your money today.
Chicago Community Bond Fund: The CCBF supports individuals whose communities cannot afford to pay bonds themselves and who have been impacted by structural violence
Luke 4:18 Bail Fund: A project of Faith In Texas that aims to draw attention to the inequities in the money bail system and engages community members – especially those directly impacted – in the processes to address those injustices
Forsyth County Community Bail Fund: Helping people unable to afford bail gain their release from pretrial detention using community donations
Hamilton County Community Bail Fund: Helps pay bail for people who are awaiting trial in Hamilton County, allowing them to continue their lives
The Bail Project: A national nonprofit that pays bail for people in need, reuniting families and restoring the presumption of innocence
Here is a longer list, via ActBlue page.
One more thing…
If you need to use your money to get the dopamine rush from shopping, buy something from Black owned Etsy sellers, like this fantastic tote.
Or you can buy one of the books Beth’s Do the Work and Read the Work post from last week. Shop for good and support Black authors.
*Unless your Michael Bloomberg
One more “one more thing.” Don’t be racist.
