Sister, Grief Survivor, Advocate Pays Tribute to Her Brother, a Male Domestic Violence Victim

Ahead of National Grief Awareness Day on August 30, 2025, a dedicated time to raise awareness about grief and loss, and also support those who are grieving, National Grief Awareness Month sets the stage for conversations about the death of a loved one. Marcia N. Cole knows the pain of grieving because she lost a sibling to homicide. Her younger brother, Dante Eyasu, was tragically taken due to domestic violence in 2020.  

How the unthinkable happened.

“He [Dante] was stabbed by his girlfriend and taken to the hospital, where he later passed away. He was only 22 years old. We waited outside of the hospital while he was in surgery because of COVID-19 restrictions. I found out through a heartbreaking phone call that he passed away, which forever changed my life,” Cole explained, speaking about her family’s harrowing experience.

When Eyasu did not survive, Cole felt devastated that her loved one had not beaten death. It was difficult for the Marylander to consider that her charismatic, protective and loving sibling who had been full of life would not be fine.

The Pain of Grief

Over time, Cole realized that God had a plan she did not yet understand.

“His loss left a hole in our family. As the oldest— I have a younger sister— I felt the weight of trying to stay strong for everyone, but we were all shattered in different ways.  It forever changed the rhythm of our lives,” Cole candidly shared.

A New Chapter

Processing heartbreaking loss and experiencing a journey through grief, forgiveness, and healing led Cole to write a chapter because of Eyasu. The Marylander was inspired to pen “Shattered Yet Unbroken: Finding Strength and Purpose after Sudden Loss.” Writing the nonfiction book was a healing tool that allowed Cole to release emotions that she had been carrying inside after she lost her brother to domestic violence.

“I felt called to share my story in hopes that others walking through unimaginable pain would find strength, faith, and hope,” said Cole.

The author explained that grief stripped away illusions of control. It made her more compassionate, more aware of silent battles others are fighting, and more intentional about how she lives and loves each day. 

“It reminded me that healing is not linear, and that faith is essential. Tomorrow is not promised and you may not have the time you think you do. Live your life to the fullest and don’t hold on to unforgiveness,” Cole shared.

Cole’s Journey to Advocacy

The National Domestic Violence Hotline reported that 1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the United States have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime (https://www.thehotline.org/stakeholders/domestic-violence-statistics).

Cole, a registered nurse; empowerment speaker; faith leader; advocate for Black men; mother; and wife, addressed the impact of loss and grief by taking action as a person who has been impacted by domestic violence and grief. She has hosted grief support talks and created safe spaces, both virtually and in-person, for others who are navigating loss. 

“I also provide tools, encouragement, and resources through my book, events, and mentorship,” said Cole. “Faith, Focus, & Finish Strong is a weekly Zoom talk and virtual community I founded to empower others through faith, prayer, and purpose-driven conversation. It has grown into a space where families, including children, come to study the Word, pray, and grow together. Information can be found on my Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marciancole.”

The advocate shared that she publicly speaks up about grief because too many people suffer in silence, especially in Black communities, where grief is often unspoken or rushed. Cole wants to give people permission to feel, to heal, and to understand that they are not alone. Faith was the foundation that helped Cole to persevere through the grieving process. Prayer, therapy, community, and allowing herself to fully feel without judgment were all essential for the grief survivor.  

“Forgiveness was the hardest part, but also the most freeing. I chose to forgive the young woman involved in my brother’s death, not because she deserved it, but because I couldn’t carry the weight of hate and still walk in my purpose. Forgiveness doesn’t excuse harm. It releases us from its grip,” Cole declared.Visit https://shatteredyetunbroken.my.canva.site and https://www.instagram.com/marciancole to learn more about Cole and her upcoming events.