The goal was to raise $40,000 in order to bail people out of jail for Easter Sunday.
This past Easter weekend felt more like Christmas for over a dozen people in Dekalb County.
On Sunday, rapper T.I., VH1’s Love and Hip Hop reality star Scrapp Deleon, and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Ga., came together to bail out a group of nonviolent and first-time offenders. 23 people made up of seven women and 16 men, were bailed out of DeKalb County Jail.
T.I. bailed out 23 non-violent offenders from jail on Easter 🙌🏽 https://t.co/al5cXsthz4
— XXL Magazine (@XXL) April 22, 2019
“It’s almost like finally meeting the good Samaritan – somebody who you don’t know that you didn’t see coming,” senior Pastor Dr. Jamal Bryant said about the program recipients. “They’re appreciative to be able to press the refresh button.”
Fox 5 reported that the church launched its efforts on Lent and pledged to raise $40,000 in order to bail people out of jail for Easter Sunday. Thanks to the involvement of both T.I. and Scrapp, donations toward the church’s program well exceeded its goal before the holiday. In total, the church reached at least $120,000.
The efforts don’t just stop after their release. The “Bail Out” program will also connect each recipient with a certified mentor for weekly check-ins. A portion of the donations will be used to established college savings for any kids of the former inmates.
Check out the reactions from those who were released.
Tip is well known for his philanthropic efforts and was even recognized at the Georgia State Capitol for his efforts in his hometown. On March 22, State Sen. Donzella James saluted the artist for establishing several nonprofit organizations like Harris Community Works, which helps low-income families, and For the Love of Our Fathers, which assists with people living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
