As Kwanzaa comes to an end, we celebrate the day of Imani, which means faith in Swahili. Imani is the belief in ourselves, our people, our ancestors, and our future. It is the trust in the vision of a world where all people are free and equal. It is the commitment to justice and fairness, and the collaboration to make it a reality.

That is the spirit of The Bail Project, a non-profit organization that pays bail for people who cannot afford it and helps them return to court with supportive services. Since 2017, The Bail Project has helped over 18,000 people across 28 cities in the United States. By using a revolving bail fund, The Bail Project is able to reuse the money that is returned to the fund when the case is over, multiplying the impact of each donation.

The Bail Project is not only providing immediate relief to people who are trapped in jail because of their poverty, but also challenging the system that criminalizes race and class. The Bail Project collects data and stories from its clients to show that bail is not what makes people return to court. In fact, more than 90% of its clients have made all their court dates, and more than half have had their cases dismissed.

The Bail Project is a movement that embodies Imani in everything it does. It is a movement that honours the potential and dignity of every human being. It is a movement that fights for the freedom and equality that our ancestors dreamed of and our future deserves.

This Kwanzaa, come roll with The Bail Project in making a real difference. Let’s flip the script and make this season all about giving from the heart, taking action with empathy, and fighting for justice and freedom. It’s time to back up The Bail Project, not just today, but every day. To learn more about The Bail Project, visit their website. You can also follow them on social media.