Racial Justice Series

Racism and oppression have historically impacted and continue to profoundly affect Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) communities and the nation at large. The Ad Council is committed to using our platform to support other external organizations dedicated to dismantling systemic racism and injustice.

In this series, we’re spotlighting content created by these organizations that will help spark more dialogue and action around racial justice. We hope you’ll take the time to learn more about these organizations and the great work that they’re doing.

The Bail Project: Equal Justice for All - Ending Wealth-Based Detention
The words “Equal Justice Under Law” are carved above the entrance to the U.S. Supreme Court, reflecting a fundamental democratic principle: that everyone should be treated fairly by the justice system. But in reality, this promise is broken by the use of cash bail. Under cash bail, people must pay money to stay out of jail while awaiting trial, and only those who can afford it can remain free. Despite the U.S. Constitution’s protection against excessive bail, hundreds of thousands of Americans are in jail every day simply because they cannot pay. This means they are punished before being proven guilty, contradicting the presumption of innocence.

Cash bail contributes significantly to mass incarceration, with nearly 70% of people in jail waiting for their trial. It also makes racial inequality in the justice system worse, with Black and brown communities hurt the most. On top of that, it costs taxpayers nearly $14 billion each year to keep people in jail who are still presumed innocent. This injustice harms not just individuals but entire families and communities.

The Bail Project’s “Freedom Should Be Free” PSA campaign spreads the message that justice should not be for sale. Everyone deserves fair treatment, no matter the size of their bank account.

The Sentencing Project – 50 Years and a Wake Up
The U.S. prison population has grown nearly 500% in the past 50 years. Increasingly, punitive changes in sentencing laws and policies, not changes in crime rates, explain most of this increase. Despite increasing evidence that large-scale incarceration is not an effective means of achieving public safety, these trends have resulted in dangerous prison overcrowding as well as weighty fiscal burdens on taxpayers to accommodate a rapidly expanding penal system.

The Sentencing Project’s latest campaign raises awareness about the dire state of the U.S. criminal legal system and the devastating impact of incarceration on communities and families.

One Single Light Can Dispel Darkness
Antisemitism incidents can occur unexpectedly and when we least expect them. Being discriminated against because of religion, race, and/or ethnicity can be traumatic for adults and children, and fear can make it challenging to speak up and stand up for oneself. Discussing this topic is difficult, and navigating this terrain can feel daunting and explosive.

The Shine A Light PSA aims to spread the message that light has the power to dispel darkness. It uses the inspiring story of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, to encourage conversations about antisemitism and promote greater understanding within and between communities. The hope is that this will lead to more people taking action to respond to antisemitism and combat it effectively.

Shine A Light is a purpose-driven convening platform for organizations, companies, institutions, and individuals to unite in shining a light on antisemitism in all its modern forms.