Marissa Alexander is a proud African American mother of three, a loving daughter and sister, she has earned an MBA, she’s a woman of faith, and she’s a survivor of domestic violence. In 2012, Ms. Alexander was sentenced to twenty years in the Florida criminal correctional system for defending herself from her abusive estranged husband. Nine days after giving birth to a premature child, she fired a single warning shot upwards into a wall to halt her abusive partner during a life-threatening beating.
Despite the fact that Marissa Alexander caused no injuries and has no previous criminal record, and despite the fact that Florida’s self-defense law includes the right to “Stand Your Ground,” she was arrested by Jacksonville police and charged with aggravated assault. She rejected a 3 year plea bargain because maintained her innocence and right to defend her life. After 12 minutes of deliberation, a jury of 6 people convicted Ms. Alexander of three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon with no intent to harm. Her sentence was set at 20 years in part due to the state’s mandatory minimum sentencing laws. Marissa Alexander successfully appealed the trial, overturning the guilty verdict on 9/26/13. She was released on bond on 11/27/13 and is now under home detention. While under home detention, she must pay $105 every week for the use of an ankle monitor, and $500 every other week for the bond cost. If she is found guilty in a new trial, she could face a tripled mandatory sentence of 60 years for self-defense.
By now, most of you know that Marissa Alexander’s retrial is set to begin this fall, and that the legal costs stemming from her case are astronomical. Marissa, a black woman who fired a warning shot in defense of herself and her children, faces up to 60 years in prison. It is crucial that the racism fueling this prosecution be countered with the love and solidarity of those who believe in justice. On Saturday, September 13th, we will come together to express that love and solidarity by celebrating Marissa’s birthday and raising money for her defense.
The event begins at 7pm, and will include an art auction, live poetry, music, drinks, and an appearance by the Chicago Light Brigade. Local artist Sarah Adams will also be sketching portraits on request for donations.
We will also be taking photos and videos to send to Marissa to lift her spirits and remind her that we value her life, freedom, and family. Her birthday is on the 14th of September, so we will celebrate Marissa’s birth as we continue fighting for her freedom! We hope you can join us.
https://www.facebook.com/events/576018402524702/
http://www.freemarissanow.org/black-womens-lives-matter.html