It’s no secret to regular readers that my emotions have alternated between despondency and hope with respect to black men’s participation in the campaign to Free Marissa Alexander. Today, I am feeling hopeful. Jasiri X who is a talented artist and dedicated activist posted a video message in support of Marissa. This is in addition to a couple of black men who have specifically reached out to me to ask how they can help. If you are reading this and you are not a black woman, you won’t appreciate why this solidarity means so much to me. Thank you brothers for SEEING US & turning toward us instead of away. Below are Jasiri’s video and his words.

Reposted from the Black Youth Project

“Dear Marissa” is my apology to Marissa Alexander, a black woman who was sentenced in Florida to 20 years in prison for firing a warning shot at her abusive husband. Her retrial starts in July, and incredibly, she is now facing 60 years in prison. Prosecutor Angela Corey announced she is seeking the maximum sentence of 20 years for 3 counts of assault with a deadly weapon. Please contribute to Marissa Alexander’s legal defense fund by going to Marissa Alexander Freedom Fundraiser. The lyrics to “Dear Marissa” are below.

Dear Marissa can you please forgive us
For not hearing your cries or the cries of your sisters
We ignored you for months after your verdict was delivered
Your burden wasn’t considered but your courage never withered
Left deserted in a prison given 20 live years
And a orange jumpsuit that’s faded from dry tears
A hard bed in a cell our innocence lies here
A mother ripped from her children’s the only crime that’s clear
Why are we so quiet why are we so silent
Why did we wash our hands of it why are Pontius Pilate
Why are we so slow to respond to domestic violence
When women are abused we’re always given an excuse
But tell me what would you do if you felt you children were threatened
And the man who beat you violated order of protection
And you had access to a legal and licensed weapon
And you feared for your life and the lives if your adolescents
Dear Marrissa I’m sorry i feel responsible partly
my voice was hardly a whisper how could we just forget ya
can you please forgive us for not hearing your cries or the cries of your sisters
signed Mr. Jasiri X