Long before mainstream institutions cared about our survival, we cared for each other.
We built schools, businesses, banks, newspapers, and safety nets funded by the people, for the people. Black Wall Street was one of many reminders that when we invest in ourselves, we thrive.
That legacy lives on today.
At 1M4, weâre carrying that torch forward by building a national network of care. One rooted in mental health, crisis response, and protection.
We inform our communities on how to respond to a crisis without relying on harmful systems. We create tools to support emotional wellness. And we do it all powered by donations from you and other Sistas.
This Black Philanthropy Month, weâre asking you to invest in that legacy and lock arms with us in this work.
Because when we fund each other and shield the village, we save lives.
“Black Power is giving power to people who have not had power to determine their destiny.“
â Huey P. Newton
What We’re Reading
The National Guard was deployed to Washington DC to address âskyrocketing crimeâ. Even though crime data tells a very different picture.
Check out the data collected by the CSG Justice Center about national crime levels.
What We’re Watching
When Crystal recognized that her daughter was in a mental health crisis, she chose care over criminalization. This powerful story shows how the Right Response can change everything. In partnership with 1M4, Georgetown Lawâs CICS, and Canopy Rootsâ Minneapolis BCR team, this video highlights what community-led crisis response can and should look like.
Weâll be sharing more stories like this soon! đżÂ Learn more about Canopy Roots
Get Involved
Pictured above is 1M4 Founder and Operations lead with living legend, Chief John Moon of Freedom House Pittsburgh. Freedom House wrote the blueprint for responding to community members with medic services (and other vital activities).
We are following in their footsteps by meeting our community where they are with lifesaving resources and authentic connections.
We need your help in reaching your local community
Join us in our Community Platform today!
(donât let the ârequest to joinâ button scare you. Weâre just really careful about keeping our spaces safe)
We have an ambitious goal of increasing our membership by 4000 September through December of this year.
There are 800 of you reading this right now. Stand with us in protecting 4000 communities through year end. Move from email supporter to member by joining us in our virtual community using the button below.
Your Expertise is Needed!
Weâre completely revamping The Right Response Directory and need your input to ensure it meets our communityâs 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!
A Mental Health Tip For You
Try a creative activity to quiet your mind and care for your spirit.
Art can be healing. Just working with your hands or letting your imagination flow can help release tension and reconnect you to joy. Here are a few easy, calming options to try this week:
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𧜠Crocheting or knitting
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đď¸ Coloring in a coloring book (or doodling on a blank page)
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âď¸ Making a collage from old magazines
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đ¨ Painting with watercolors or acrylics
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đ¸ Taking mindful photos of things that make you feel grounded
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𧾠Simple hand sewing or visible mending
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đ Making blackout poetry from a newspaper or book page
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âđž Journaling or sketching how you feel
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đ§đžââď¸ Doing movement art like dancing with your eyes closed to music you love
Spread Some Blessings!
The consequences of police violence extend far beyond the loss of life. For families affected, itâs 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.
Whether youâre picking up yarn, coloring in silence, dancing in your living room, or just breathing a little deeper, you are tending to something sacred. These creative acts help us process, grieve, imagine, and reset.
And as we continue to face a world that often feels like itâs working against us, we get to choose what grounds us.
At 1M4, we believe in building a world where Black mental health is protected and crisis doesnât end in tragedy. That vision is only possible with your support through donations, Â participation, and showing up for yourself and others.
The work continues, and we need each other to keep going.
Stand with the family of Xzavier Hill in Washington DC Sept. 23rd
Support the Upcoming Supreme Court Filing~
On Tuesday September 23, 2025, an important Supreme Court filing will be made on behalf of Xzavier Hill. This marks a powerful step in the fight for justice, challenging the limits of qualified immunity and uplifting the right to be heard, even when representing oneself (pro se).
This filing is about so much more than one case â itâs about accountability, access to justice, and shedding light on the barriers everyday people face in the legal system. Your presence can help amplify this crucial moment.
If you’re able to attend the filing in Washington DC, please fill out the form below. Also advise tthe teamâŚ
* If you need transportation (especially from VA, MD, or DC)
* If youâd like to join the luncheon afterward
The luncheon will cover:
 The filing itself
 What it means to file pro se
 A deeper conversation on qualified immunity
Please RSVP by **September 12th** so adequate plans can be made
Letâs come together to support Xzavier and push back against systems that deny justice. Your presence matters.
In August and beyond, help raise awareness of alternatives to police for mental health emergencies. Share the Right Response directory with your local community, snap a few pictures, and let us know about it. We would love to highlight you and your advocacy in our newsletter and social media pages. Share your advocacy results HERE. Whether you shared with two people or 200 people, each life matters.
We are celebrating you as the trusted voice in your community!
Any questions? Simply hit âreply.â
Ready to join in shielding your community? Click HERE
Ok so⌠weâre on TikTok now! Follow, engage, and rep 1M4 over there. Weâre doing our best to reach the people.
Help some Sistas out!
 You Got Your 1M4 Merch Yet?
Visit the 1M4 merch store to make sure youâre 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. Â
