Stories from survivors of domestic violence stitch together protest of Marissa Alexander’s prosecution

On January 27, 2015, 350 quilt squares containing stories from survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault will blanket the Duval County Courthouse lawn to protest the prosecution of Marissa Alexander.

A Survivor

Marissa Alexander is a survivor of domestic violence, mother of three, and a proud African American. Her story received national attention after it stemmed up the issue on Florida’s controversial Stand Your Ground law.  Alexander was convicted of aggravated assault for firing what she said was a warning shot at her abusive husband.

She was originally convicted and sentenced in 2012 to 20 years in prison for firing a warning shot during a confrontation with her abusive husband, Rico Gray. The conviction was overturned on appeal.

Marissa Alexander agreed to a plea deal and will no longer face the threat of a trial or serving 60 years in prison if convicted of three counts of aggravated manslaughter. Under the terms of the plea deal, Alexander agreed to plead guilty to the three charges against her and serve three years in prison. Except “three years” will actually only be 65 days.  Alexander will be sentenced on January 27th, 2014.

Survivors of domestic violence for Marissa Alexander quilt

The #MonumentQuilt <http://themonumentquilt.org/>, an ongoing collection of stories from survivors of rape and abuse, will be on display at her trial on Jan 27 in protest of the prosecution of Marissa Alexander. 350 quilt squares containing stories from survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault will blanket the Duval County Courthouse lawn to let Jacksonville.

The public is invited to join the Free Marissa Now Mobilization Campaign
<http://www.freemarissanow.org/> and The Monument Quilt <http://themonumentquilt.org/> to support Marissa Alexander’s fight for freedom and express solidarity with all survivors of domestic violence. At the quilt display attendees will be able to view quilt squares, hear speeches, make their own quilt square and join in community.

“Marissa Alexander’s supporters in Jacksonville are excited to welcome the beautiful Monument Quilt as a powerful demonstration of solidarity with Marissa and all survivors of domestic violence,” said Aleta Alston Toure’, a Free Marissa Now organizer based in Jacksonville. “People all over the world have been part of this historic movement for Marissa’s freedom. This quilt is an important creative representation of Marissa’s broad base of support.”