This week, we filed a class-action lawsuit alongside our partners at The Advancement Project, Michigan Liberation, Civil Rights Corps, Venable LLC and LaRene & Kriger P.L.C. against Wayne County pushing them to release many more people from Wayne County Jails. You can read the press release and full filing here. Since filing Monday, there has been reporting in Detroit Free Press, Detroit Metro Times, and Detroit News. We will continue to update our supporters on the progress of the case, and in the meantime, we continue to encourage folks to donate to the following organizations who are helping folks in need:
1) We the People of Detroit – Water warriors have been fighting for water as a human right for many years. During this crisis, despite the moratorium on water shutoffs, lack of water access still presents additional risks for thousands of people, and they are working tirelessly to restore water to Detroiters.
2) Returning Citizens COVID-19 Support Fund – As more people are being released from jails and prisons, this group is assisting returning citizens with critical rent, food, utilities, and medical needs.
3) Mutual Aid Fund to Provide Coronavirus Care Packages to People in Prison – We’ve been joining the call to release people from prison, and in the meantime, this mutual aid fundraiser is helping incarcerated people get coronavirus care packages to keep themselves as healthy as possible while government officials turn away.
4) ABISA – This essential mutual aid fund to help Black/African migrants and refugees with food, utilities, housing, water and other needs.
5) Michigan Black Mama’s Day Bailout – This year’s Mama’s Day Bailout is especially critical given the dire health risks posed to incarcerated people. Donations will go toward bailing out Mamas in Wayne, Oakland and Kalamazoo counties.