Ep 2. Ending Cash Bail

Activate: The Global Citizen Movement season 1 episode 2, titled "Ending Cash Bail," follows the journey of Grammy-winning rapper and activist, Common, as he works alongside grassroots organizations to end the cash bail system in America.

The episode begins by highlighting the injustices of the cash bail system and its impact on low-income and marginalized communities. Common visits the Bronx Defenders, a legal aid organization that provides free legal representation to those who cannot afford it, and engages in a conversation with public defenders about the challenges of the cash bail system.

Throughout the episode, Common meets with activists, advocates, and legislators who are working towards reforming the cash bail system. He visits the Vera Institute of Justice, a research and policy organization that focuses on ending mass incarceration, and learns about the alternatives to cash bail that have been successful in other countries. Common also attends a bail fund fundraiser and speaks with individuals who have been personally affected by the cash bail system.

The episode highlights various grassroots organizations that are working towards ending cash bail, including the Bail Project, a nonprofit organization that provides bail assistance and pretrial support to those in need. Common meets with members of the Bail Project who share their personal stories and the impact of the organization's efforts in their communities.

The episode also features interviews with lawmakers who are leading the effort to end cash bail. Common speaks with California Senator Kamala Harris, who discusses her efforts to pass the Pretrial Integrity and Safety Act, which aims to reform the cash bail system. He also meets with New York State Senator Michael Gianaris, who has been instrumental in passing bail reform legislation in the state of New York.

The episode showcases how the cash bail system perpetuates systemic racism and discrimination. Common visits the Brooklyn Community Bail Fund, a nonprofit organization that posts bail for individuals who cannot afford it, and speaks with the organization's staff about the disproportionate impact of the cash bail system on communities of color.

Overall, the episode sheds a light on the injustices of the cash bail system and the movement to end it. The episode features interviews with experts, activists, advocates, and lawmakers who are committed to bringing about change. It also highlights the important work being done by grassroots organizations and the impact that they are having in their communities. Through Common's journey, viewers are encouraged to join the movement to end cash bail and to support organizations that are working towards a more just and equitable criminal justice system.

Activate: The Global Citizen Movement season 1 episode 2, "Ending Cash Bail," is a powerful and informative episode that challenges viewers to think critically about the criminal justice system and the role that they can play in bringing about change.