Today is day 18 of the national month-long writing campaign for men on the issue of domestic violence and in support of Marissa Alexander, the Florida mother of three who was sentenced to 20 years for firing a warning shot to scare off her abusive husband. Launched by the Chicago Taskforce on Violence Against , Emotional Justice Unplugged, and the Free Marisa Now Mobilization Campaign, EBONY.com is the official media partner of this critical act of 'emotional justice' in action.





Check out our mission statement here and visit EBONY.com daily through the month of October to read powerful words from men who are committed to seeing justice for Marissa Alexander.

Today's letter is from a brother mad at the naked hypocrisy and injustice towards Marissa Alexander. His letter speaks about raising your voice, the cancer of silence, reflects on his own childhood and the legacy of the trauma due to his mother's mental illness and his lesson that silence is no resolution for trauma or violence. He calls on men to STAND UP and STAND WITH Marissa Alexander

"Dear Marissa" by Jonathon

"I’m mad. I’m mad at what you have endured. I’m mad someone tried to hurt you. I’m mad we live in a country that punished you for trying to defend yourself and your baby. I’m mad what happened to you echoes what happens to women around the country and world every single day"

". I have seen how hard Black women fight. I know you deserve better. You deserve support. You deserve love. You deserve Justice."

"When I first read your story and observed the hypocrisy of standing your ground, I thought about how sick and tired you must be. I thought about your survival. Then I thought about my own mother. ……. My mother, like you, is a survivor; of psychological, emotional and perhaps physical abuse. I’m not sure about the latter because my family likes to live in the all-too-familiar silence when it comes to trauma—the silence that perpetuates the cycle of violence against women and mental health illnesses that can ensue."

"We need you free, and we’re going to keep fighting with you. We need your perseverance and survival. …..I’m ready for solutions. I’m ready for Justice. I’m thinking about the power you possess. I’m thinking about you. I'm fighting for and with you."

Read this brother's complete letter here

CHECK OUT THE MEN'S LETTERS: theSWAGspot tumblr

SEND LETTERS HERE

DONATE TO MARISSA ALEXANDER'S LEGAL FEES FOR HER NEW TRIAL

'LIKE' the 'FREE MARISSA NOW' F/B Page

'LIKE' the 'EMOTIONAL JUSTICE F/B Page

*NOTE: On Thursday October 10th, a Google Chat led by Jeff Johnson with Darnell Moore and Kai M Green, who have both written letters for the campaign, took place. Did you miss it? Watch it here. Plus, AlterNet.com another media partner is also posting weekly in support of the campaign.