There are moments that can happen in a person’s life which can change the trajectory of their journey. This story is one of them. Elizabeth Gerald was a mother of four biological children and one granddaughter who she has raised since 3-years-old, until one day her life took a tragic turn when her 14-year-old daughter, while walking home from school in January 2015, was brutally raped by a 27-year-old recently released convicted rapist. Marcie later committed suicide on July 20, 2015, one day after turning 15 years old.
Ms. Gerald lived in an upscale community and never expected her children wouldn’t be safe. On this particular day, although the rapist didn’t live in the neighborhood, he scoured along looking for a victim, he admitted in court. Not only did he smirk and laugh about raping her; according to Ms. Gerald, he said, “If she wasn’t so pretty, I wouldn’t have messed with her.” His words and actions ripped to the core of Marcie. Unable to cope with her experience and the rapist’s torment, sadly, she took her own life by swallowing a bottle of pills. The last thing she said to her mother was, “I love you.” Then, that particular night, she slept in her mother’s bed. Sadly, Ms. Gerald awakened to her daughter not breathing. Marcie was rushed to the hospital, and after some time, she was pronounced dead. Ms. Gerald’s life would never be the same.
Her tragic loss took her from the background to the foreground and gave her life a new purpose. She is now an activist and an advocate who is driven to help prevent suicide in other children, and to get rapists laws changed in favor of the victims.
Meet Elizabeth Gerald, who started the Marcie Jonea Gerald Movement (the MJG Movement) and Marcie Marvels LLC, in honor of her daughter.
What do you want people to know about your daughter?
Marcie was a beautiful soul; she was kind-hearted and would help anyone. She would give you the coat off her back. Marcie loved her family and friends very much. My baby girl and I had such an amazing relationship.
Tell us about your organization and its purpose?
Well, the MJG Movement is my nonprofit, and Marcie Marvels is my LLC. With MJG Movement, we help sexual assault victims and domestic violence victims. We also assist with suicide prevention and mental illness issues. In addition, we help by counseling, finding housing, getting orders of protection, and we will go to court when needed. However, each person and situation are different, so we do what we can for our clients. As far as Marcie Marvels LLC, we have a black girl resilience superhero comic book, a coloring book, a children’s book, lip gloss, and eyeshadow pallets, which were all created to help inspire young girls.
Why is it important for parents to check on their children’s mental health?
It is very important because with all the bullying going around, our babies are becoming increasingly depressed. And it’s important to note that suicide is very high in our communities, so parents really need to talk to their kids about being kind to one another.
What are some signs of suicide and what should parents do if they witness it in their children?
Some signs of suicide could be anything from isolation to depression. They may start wearing dark clothes, like black. Another thing to pay attention to is their arms because sometimes they cut themselves. Also, pay attention to their eating habits because they may change and won’t want to eat. These are just a few signs; there are many more.
What accomplishments have you made since starting your business?
Well, personally, I’ve been on TV, the radio, and several magazines have interviewed me. Recently, I appeared before Congress to talk about sexual assault the perpetrators of these crimes, and the time they receive in prison. I was able to get a law passed in my home state of Chicago called, Marcie’s Law, which will make a rapist’s time in jail be prolonged. Businesswise, we do toy giveaways for Christmas, give out food baskets, and we’re in the process of opening safe houses. Additionally, we just filmed our Netflix documentary, and we’ve done so much more.
What upcoming projects do you have?
As I stated, we will be opening up our safe house, and I’m being featured in Life Magazine in March. There is also more to come.
How can you be reached?
Facebook: Elizabeth GeraldTF (and/or) MJG Movement
Instagram: @mjgmovement Twitter: @mjgmovement
For inquiries, contact: Desirae Benson PR
Photo by Thomas Jabari Walker
Writer, Debbie Stokes is a contributing writer. Follow her on Instagram @iamdebbiestokes
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