Today is day 30 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 Girls and Women, 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 a clip from this weekend's CNN’s Newsroom with Don Lemon featuring campaign co-organizer Esther Armah and one of the letter writers, Dr. David Leonard. 

Today's letter is from New York Councilmember Charles Barron, who represents Brooklyn’s 42nd Council District. He calls on policymakers to provide men with essential tools that focus on ‘emotional intelligence’ in order to build healthy relationships with women and as part of the work to end violence against women.

“Dear Marissa” by Councilmember Charles Barron,

"…It is my position that a man must first know how to be a man and find himself. That means spending time and being comfortable with himself, which includes knowing his strengths and weaknesses."

"…I believe in order for men to establish healthy relationships with the women in their lives,  healthcare providers,  policymakers and elected officials must assist in providing men with the necessary tools to develop and for men to focus on their 'Emotional Intelligence'………"

Read the Councilmember’s complete letter here

This is the final week of this campaign. On Friday November 1st, there will be a status hearing on the Marissa Alexander case where the state will either decide to drop the case or set the date for moving ahead with a new trial.  The fight to pressure the state to drop the case is on. For a full update on the case read 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