THE TIME IS NOW!

                                      Office of Governor Rick Scott
                                       State of Florida
                                       The Capitol

Joe E. Benton President Columbia, SC J. Toni Oliver Vice President Atlanta, GA TracyL. Golliday-Champagne Recording Secretary Detroit, MI Sondera Malry Corresponding Secretary Houston, TX Constance Watson Treasurer Los Angeles, CA Dayvid H. Brown Member-at -Large Indianapolis, IN Dr. Yvonette Powell Member-at -Large San Diego, CA Lea Andrews OSA President Univ.ofSouthern California Los Angeles, CA Dr. Gloria Batiste-Roberts ImmediatePast President Missouri City, TX Terrence A. Bradford National Office Manager Washington, DC

400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001

Dear Governor Scott;

On behalf of the National Association of Black Social Workers, we ask that Ms. Marissa Alexander’s sentence be commuted with time served.

Victims of domestic violence, in stressful situations, with their abusive partners tend to act erratically.  However, in the closed confines of a home, where it is nearly impossible to miss a target, Ms. Alexander did just that.  Her intent by any reasonable person could be interpreted as protecting self from a known violent abuser, rather seeking to do bodily harm.  She has been confined for over two years.   It is now time that some sense of justice is carried out and for her to be released.

The punishment did not fit the crime.  Ms. Alexander has been deprived of her freedom and normal family life for too long.  Ms. Alexander has a very young child to provide care.  Though reasonable minds may differ over the justification for her conviction, few would agree that the crime merited such harsh punishment. 

In the context of fundamental fairness, it is time that justice is done for Ms. Marissa Alexander.  Justice demands that she be released and as quickly as possible.  She has been punished for far too long.

Thank you for investigating this petition on behalf of commutation for her.  Make our system fair and just by expediting her release.

Sincerely,

Joe E. Benton, President

National Association of Black Social Workers

50th Anniversary March of Washington

Attention: We need YOU!
When: Saturday, August 24, 2013 (8:00 a.m.)
Where: Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in  
                 Washington, DC.
Important: ABSW members in attendance can 
                    meet up with the DC metro chapter 
                    at approximately 7:00am at the      
                    corner of 23rd Street NW and H 
                    Street (one block south of the 
                    Foggy Bottom Metro Station)

NABSW: MOBILIZING AS A GROUP!

“We recognize that the “Dream” has not been fulfilled and the battle for justice is ongoing.”

OSA Summer 2013 Newsletter

Take a look at the 44th Conference Recap and the re-introduction of the Sankofa Project!

OSA Summer Newsletter Final by NABSWOSA