Mariame Kaba’s We Do This ‘Til We Free Us: Abolitionist Organizing and Transforming Justice is a powerful collection of essays and conversations about justice, freedom, and how we build a better world together. At Liberty Law, we believe in challenging harmful systems and imagining new ways to support survivors and communities. Kaba’s work speaks to this mission, offering readers a practical and hopeful vision for real change.
What Abolition Really Means
Kaba invites us to think beyond our current systems of punishment and control. The book’s title, We Do This ‘Til We Free Us, reminds us that freedom is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process. Abolition, in her view, is not just about tearing down prisons and police. It is about building something better: communities grounded in care, not punishment.
She asks readers to rethink what safety, justice, and accountability truly mean. Instead of relying on systems that cause more harm, she encourages us to create support systems that deal with the root causes of violence and meet people’s real needs.
Choosing Hope on Purpose
One of the most powerful ideas in the book is Kaba’s belief that hope is a discipline. In difficult times, it is easy to feel hopeless. But for Kaba, hope is not about ignoring pain or pretending things are fine. It is a choice we make, again and again, to keep working for change even when it is hard.
This kind of hope is central to abolitionist work. The book reminds us that we do not have to wait for perfect conditions to start making things better. We can begin where we are, with what we have.
Justice That Heals, Not Hurts
Kaba shares real examples of what it looks like to deal with harm without relying on punishment. She draws from years of organizing experience to show how communities can respond to violence in ways that center healing and accountability.
She challenges the idea that people are either good or bad. Instead, she explores how harm happens, and how we can help people take responsibility and make things right without throwing them away.
Change Happens Together
A key message in the book is that real change comes from collective action. Kaba pushes back against the idea that one person or hero will save us. Instead, she emphasizes building relationships and working together.
This message shows up in the format of the book itself. Many of the pieces are co-written or in conversation, highlighting the importance of shared wisdom and dialogue.
Rethinking Gender Justice
One of the most important parts of the book is its critique of carceral feminism, the idea that the way to address gender-based violence is through policing and prison. Kaba argues that these systems do not actually protect survivors and often make things worse.
She invites us to think about new ways to support people who have been harmed while holding those who cause harm accountable in real and transformative ways.
The Power of Imagination
Kaba believes that imagination is key to creating a better world. She encourages us to think beyond what we have been told is possible and to envision what justice could look like without punishment.
This is not just about dreaming big. It is about building real alternatives now, inspired by the people and movements that came before us.
Sustainable Organizing and Care
The book also shares wisdom about how to stay engaged in long-term justice work. Kaba talks about the importance of relationships, celebrating small wins, and taking care of each other.
She is honest about the mistakes and struggles that come with organizing, and she creates space for people to grow and learn. This approach reminds us that we do not have to be perfect to be part of the work.
Clear and Accessible
Even though We Do This ‘Til We Free Us deals with deep and complex ideas, it is written in a way that is easy to understand. Kaba avoids jargon and writes in a clear, direct voice that speaks to a wide range of readers.
The book is also great for group discussions, with short chapters that can be read alone or together. It invites readers to join a larger conversation about justice, care, and how we live together.
Asking the Hard Questions
Kaba challenges readers to question what we think we know about justice. She shows how our current systems are not natural or inevitable. They are choices people made, and we can make different ones.
She also calls out problems within activist movements, like hero worship and burnout. Her vision of abolition is about changing ourselves and our relationships, not just laws and institutions.
A Companion for the Journey
Ultimately, We Do This ‘Til We Free Us is not a step-by-step manual. It is a companion. It offers tools, ideas, and inspiration for anyone who wants to help build a world based on care, dignity, and real justice.
Whether you are new to abolition or have been doing the work for years, Kaba’s words will challenge and inspire you. She shows that freedom is something we practice every day in our choices, our relationships, and our communities.
At Liberty Law, we know the fight for justice requires both courage and care. We Do This ‘Til We Free Us reminds us that change is possible and that we are never alone in the work. This book is essential reading for anyone who believes a better world is not just necessary but within reach.
