Before we jump into this week’s newsletter, we have some miraculous news to share! It is truly the work of so many people, including you, and we need you to pause, listen to this message from our Founder, Tansy, and celebrate your contribution to the freedom of these innocent Black men.
Tomorrow, as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of justice and equality, a new president will be sworn in—on MLK Day, no less.
The irony isn’t lost on us when this new administration has shown little commitment to protecting Black people from police violence or upholding the very justice Dr. King fought for.
But Sis, if history has taught us anything, it’s that Black women have always been at the forefront of this work. We’ve carried the weight, led the marches, and demanded justice when no one else would.
Today, we’re still commited to what’s right—pushing for non-police interventions like our Right Response Directory and creating safer, community-centered solutions.
Dr. King’s dream lives on because we’re keeping it alive. We’ll continue to stand up, speak out, and protect ourselves.
“True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Case Spotlight: Terence Richardson & Ferrone Claiborne
To know that we had a hand in freeing these men from incarceration…
Immensely grateful.
Click the image to watch a highlight from local news and follow their Instagram page
Sista Notice: We’re working to grow 1M4 at the local level and we need you, in your community, leading the charge. If you’re ready to step up and rep an org rooted in community, care, and collaboration, simply click the button above or reply to this email if you have questions. We want to tap you in and hear from you!
Your Expertise is Needed!
We’re completely revamping The Right Response Directory and need your input to ensure it meets our community’s needs.
This critical resource connects you to alternative first-response programs offering compassionate support through peer responders, clinicians, and trained EMTs for calls like welfare checks, noise complaints, traffic incidents, and mental health crises.
Your feedback is vital for us to improve. Please take a few minutes to complete our confidential survey. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
What We’re (re)Watching
In May 2023, we were raising awareness of Terence and Ferrone’s case being featured on Dr. Phil’s show. At that time, Officer Gibson’s daughter was unsure if Terence & Ferrone killed her father. She has since supported their release and innocence. The following May 2024 we were in court supporting their innocence.
This has been such a long journey but we are grateful they will be free soon! Click the image above to watch the segment on Dr Phil.
What We’re Reading
This powerful piece sheds light on a grim reality: one-third of Americans killed by strangers are killed by police. Through a deep dive into systemic issues, we gain more insights into the devastating consequences of police violence and the lack of accountability that perpetuates it.
This is a stark reminder of how critical it is to demand change and push for community-centered alternatives to policing. As we step into this new year, we remain committed to advocating for safer, non-violent solutions like our Right Response Directory. Read the full article here.
A Legal Tip For You!
As we step into a year where protests and activism may face increasing criminalization under the new administration, understanding how to navigate the criminal punishment system has never been more important. The National Lawyers Guild recently hosted a training on this very topic, providing activists and others with the tools to preserve dignity and autonomy within an oppressive legal system.
This presentation, How to Navigate the Criminal Punishment System, offers crucial insights into the arrest-to-trial process and the choices available at each stage. Led by experienced attorneys and advocates, the training equips participants to better understand and manage the complexities of the system. If you missed it, you can watch the replay here.
Spread Some Blessings!
The consequences of police violence extend far beyond the loss of life. For families affected, it’s the loss of income, the sacrifice of basic necessities, and the start of a high-cost legal fight. If you have the capacity, consider donating to 1M4. Proceeds help support impacted families and sustain the work of 1M4 toward ending police violence for good.
How’s your January going? Hope you’re staying safe and blessed! As we step into a year full of challenges and uncertainties, don’t forget to prioritize your well-being. Managing stress, grief, or the weight of it all is tough, but you’re not alone.
If you or a loved one are in a mental health emergency, and need in person support, connect with crisis teams and organizations in your area. If you need someone to talk to about thoughts of suicide, anxiety or depression, call 988. These resources are here to provide the care and support you deserve. Taking care of yourself is a powerful act of resistance—because when we’re strong, our communities are strong. We’re here for you, every step of the way.
Your Sistas In ALL Of This,
The Ladies Of 1M4
January 20: MLK Day
As we honor Dr. King’s legacy this MLK Day, we reflect on the ongoing struggle against police violence and the long history of brutality against our community. Dr. King fought tirelessly against systemic injustice, and his words remind us that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
This is a day of service and a call to action. Let’s continue his work by organizing, connecting, and standing up against the systems that harm us.
Things to do on January 20th
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Call a friend and meet up for coffee/drinks: Tell them about 1M4 and encourage them to join us in keeping our communities safe
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Volunteer at a local community service project supporting efforts to make the world a better place: “A Day On not a Day Off”
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Go see “One Of Them Days” movie in theatres now: It is HILARIOUS
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Watch “Lonely Flowers” on Hulu, standup by Roy Wood Jr.
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Donate to a nonprofit you want to succeed and grow their impact *clears throat* we’re here if you feel so led 🙂 But seriously, donate to organizations you want to see thrive in spite of the new administration because they care about you and the things/issues/problems you care about
February 8: Confronting the Stigma Mental Health Fair
1M4 is partnering to host a mental health event focused on resources for Black and Brown men at the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture on February 8th! We’ll have a table onsite sharing information about The Right Response and engaging with local community members about their experiences with alternative response models. Join us there—we’d love to meet you in person!
1M4 Merch
You Got Your 1M4 Merch Yet?
Visit the 1M4 merch store to make sure you’re representing at court support, protests, or in line at your favorite coffee spot. We want to see YOU in your 1M4 gear. Every purchase goes directly to funding the work of 1M4 increasing access to safety and wellness.
The Mental Health Literacy Collaborative (MHLC) has officially launched its MHL Aware Certification Training.
Mental Health Literacy (MHL) Aware is a 60-minute training (with an optional certification) that benefits professional, personal, and community needs for knowledge, language, and confidence around the topic of mental health. This training is the first step in guiding people to successfully integrate MHL into the fabric of their community. The Aware training focuses on educating individuals about 1) What MHL is, 2) Why it is beneficial, and 3) How they can bring this information to their community. In addition to these core focus areas, the training provides basic, real-world application strategies. The cost is $30 per person for live trainings and $25 for the asynchronous course. Group rates are also available by contacting info@themhlc.org.
