My BOOK REVIEW
Have you red this?
We Do This ’Til We Free Us
By: Mariame Kaba
A book on prison abolition. Most people have heard of or read “Are Prisons Obsolete” by Angela Davis, which throughly and concisely breaks down the prison system’s oppressive structure, especially towards new Africans, and Latino/Indigenous people in America.
This book addresses the root problems of the prison industrial complex as well, like American’s white supremacist political structure, but it also talks strategy on how to bring a new caring world in the one we live in today. Some strategies were around lobbying like pushing for no more police unions, ending cash bail, or redirecting funds to other social goods. These were more reforms but Mariame based them off decreasing the number of police and their funding. Other strategies were around community engagement like legal teach-ins, mutual aid, freedom campaigns, etc.
In the book, Marime also goes in depth of many campaigns/projects as an example of people fighting for real justice and transformation. Some include FreeMarrssa, FreeBresha, (freedom campaigns for women who survived violence through self defense), Particpaptory Defense Projects (grassroot efforts in people gathering together to share their knowledge on the court system), and Project NIA (Organization dedicated to ending children incarceration through restorative and transformative practices).
All of these efforts were done through collective struggle.
At the end it points back to the fact that these structures of freedom and resilience are formed from the transformation of relationships and the impact of harm one has either committed to another or suffered from another. It emphasizes the importance of people needing one and other, because “everything that is worthwhile is done with other people”.
I liked this book. There’s a real cool story at the end called, Justice: A Short Story. And it’s also not just all writing from the author but transcripts from interviews too. It was really easy to read. Let me know what you thinK if you ever get the chance to read it!
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After immersing myself in Mariame Kaba's incredible 'We Do This 'Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice,' I truly understand why it deserves every bit of its 10/10 rating. What struck me most was how Kaba doesn't just critique the system; she meticulously lays out a roadmap for a different future. It’s not just theory; it’s a deeply practical guide that resonates with anyone looking for genuine societal change. Many people hear 'prison abolition' and immediately think of chaos, but Kaba beautifully articulates that it’s about building something better, stronger, and more just. She challenges us to imagine a world where harm is addressed through care, community, and transformative justice, rather than punishment and carcerality. This book really opened my eyes to the nuances – it's about investing in housing, education, healthcare, and mental health services, fundamentally shifting our priorities as a society. It's a vision of collective safety, not punitive control. The strategies she discusses, from advocating for an end to cash bail to fostering robust mutual aid networks, felt immediately actionable. I love how she emphasizes that 'everything that is worthwhile is done with other people,' a powerful reminder that collective struggle is the engine of true change. It made me reflect on how I can contribute to these efforts in my own community, encouraging me to seek out local initiatives and participate in grassroots organizing. Beyond the strategies, Mariame Kaba's voice is incredibly grounding. She brings a historical perspective, showing how these ideas aren't new but are rooted in decades of Black feminist thought and community organizing. If you're looking for Mariame Kaba books that offer both profound analysis and hopeful direction, 'We Do This 'Til We Free Us' is definitely the place to start. Her work consistently champions the idea that true safety comes from robust communities, not from policing or cages. One of the most impactful takeaways for me was the emphasis on how justice is built through transforming relationships. It's about recognizing the humanity in everyone and understanding that healing from harm requires a different approach than what our current punitive system offers. This perspective, often conveyed through powerful, concise statements that feel like Mariame Kaba quotes, truly reshaped my thinking about justice and community. The book’s structure, blending Kaba’s writing with interviews, also makes it incredibly accessible and engaging, a testament to its compelling message. So, if you’ve seen the 'We Do This 'Til We Free Us' book cover and wondered what it’s all about, I urge you to pick it up. It’s more than just a book; it’s an invitation to envision and build a more humane world. It's a journey into 'Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice' that will challenge your assumptions and ignite your passion for collective liberation. Trust me, this read will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
