Latest update as of June 28th: ACLU asked for emergency injunction against SB 63 and it was granted! SB63 Bail fund ban is temporarily blocked from going into effect for next 14 days and a new hearing against it will take place during that time.
SUPPORT THE AADM “BAILOUT INITIATIVE.” We will continue to offer bail-out support.
THE FIGHT FOR LIBERATION WILL CONTINUE DESPITE THE FACT THAT GEORGIA STATE REPRESENTATIVES ARE TRYING TO HINDER CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS SUCH AS THE AADM BAIL OUT FROM PROVIDING BAILOUT SUPPORT.
JUNETEENTH BAILOUT REPORT: With community support and donations the AADM have provided bail support for 17 individuals for the Juneteenth Bail Out initiative between June 19-July 1st. Our goal was to help 50 plus incarcerated individuals regain their freedom before Senate Bill 63 became law. Now we have more time.
How will SB63 impact the AADM? After 6 years of providing bail-out assistance to fathers, mothers, individuals living in poverty and struggling with mental illness or addictions, the AADM will be limited in providing bail-out assistance for those in need. Governor Kemp recently signed “Senate Bill 63” into law which limits Charitable organizations, family members, and friends from providing bail out assistance for more than three people a year as of July 1st.
“Senate Bill 63” criminalizes and prevents organizations such as the AADM, the Bailout Project, the Atlanta Solidarity Fund, Free Atlanta Abolition Movement, Southerners on New Ground, and numerous other community-based bail funds from helping families free loved ones. This new law will also prevent judges from releasing many accused of misdemeanors without bail and requires cash bail for 30 additional crimes.
Many of those incarcerated are due to non-violent offenses. According to the Prison Policy initiative, of the approximately 653,000 people incarcerated in local jails (about 1/3 of everyone behind bars in the United States), 448,000 have not been convicted of the crime for which they were arrested. That is almost 70% of the total local jail population. Many are there because they cannot afford to pay bail.
Despite the obstacles we may face, the fight against mass incarceration must continue. The AADM will host our last bailout initiative from June 19th- June 30th. Remaining funds will be used towards supporting the AADM’s “Regain Your Freedom” project designed to offer financial assistance for the following:
- Court-fines and legal fees
- Single moms housing vouchers
- Court-order community service
- Wellness programs that support individuals in need of healing and recovery.
By making a donation, you can support individuals requesting support such as stories like this one, “ I am reaching out on behalf of a client of mine who is currently in the Athens-Clarke County jail, Mr. JOHN DOE. He has been accepted to Fresh Winds Recovery, a local 12 month residential treatment program, and is highly motivated to enter the program and change his life. He has no funds or support to assist with the program entry fee. I am reaching out to inquire if you all can provide any funds towards this new start for my client.“
This is only one example of how the AADM has assisted numerous individuals reclaim their freedom. By making a donation, you can help individuals change their lives.
To donate to the AADM’s freedom fund, go to aadm.org/donate, select Donate and click on Freedom Fund.