Today is day 20 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.
*NOTE: Watch our Google Chat led by Jeff Johnson with Darnell Moore and Kai M Green, who have both written letters for the campaign. 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 letters come from a group of incarcerated teens. They are Johnathon, TJ, Trey, Demid. Some share the experience of interrupting domestic violence within their own circle, some are shocked at the injustice and continue to question how a warning shot is rewarded by 20 years incarceration. All send prayers to Marissa to hold her head up as she navigates the difficult days of being incarcerated and all wish her freedom.
"Dear Marissa" from Johnathon, TJ, Trey and Demid.
"…I understand that you shot a warning shot just to stand your ground, and that’s not right that the judge sentenced you to 20 years, and that’s not fair"
"…Take care of yourself because jail is not for no one and that’s what people don’t get. Stay safe…"
"…I honestly feel you are innocent. You didn’t shoot to harm, you sent a warning shot to prevent yourself from getting harmed. "
"…One day you’ll be home and you should get an appeal. I feel so sorry for you and you’ll forever be in my prayers."
"…You deserve your freedom, you’re not a criminal, you just a beautiful woman that deserves a real man in your life."
Read their collection of letters here.
CHECK OUT THE MEN'S LETTERS: theSWAGspot tumblr
SEND LETTERS: [email protected]
DONATE TO MARISSA ALEXANDER'S LEGAL FEES FOR HER NEW TRIAL: https://justice4marissa.com/
