via Wikimedia
Bail is getting in Black America’s way. All around the nation, bail money deters Black people from escaping cages in jails and prisons. In 2019, unfortunately, there are STILL people making money off of Black people not being free.
Research from The Appeal has shown how this is playing out in Pennsylvania specifically. They reported that “despite accounting for less than 12 percent of the state’s adult population, roughly 40 percent of all bail bonds were issued in cases involving a Black defendant.”
Bail agents in Pennsylvania issued a HUGE $359 million in bonds and made $17 million and $53 million in fees. Black people there accounted for a whopping $140 million of those bonds! What’s really messed up is the industry isn’t being properly REGULATED!
The ACLU is suing officials over bail. People’s ability to actually pay is being overlooked and they’re getting trapped by the debt. This problem is largely a BLACK problem that hurts us more alongside those of us who are poor.
Once again we see that bail is DIRECTLY linked to mass incarceration and anti-Black racism in the criminal justice system!
Those incarcerated pre-trial are more likely to be convicted and even possibly receive longer sentences. It’s happening all over the country and it is not right!