September is for self-care in all forms.
On this beautiful Sunday, here’s a reminder that your peace and rest are powerful acts of protection too. We need you here. And we need everyone in this work. Yes, you included.
Your gifts, your voice, your care, and your local community.
We know you have seen the dialogue online since Wednesday *deep sigh* We were taught if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. So take our silence as the statement it is.
We’re still walking strong toward our goal of 4,000 new members by the end of the year, and we hope you can join us to make it happen. That’s 4000 communities covered in safety resources; 4000 families connected through technology; 4000 villages becoming 1.
This Shield September, we’re covering ourselves and our loved ones in care, safety, and strength. Our directory is here if you or someone you know is struggling during a mental health crisis. And 988 is available via call, text or chat if you or someone you love is having thoughts of suicide or self harm.
Shielding starts with wellness. This month, let’s set the tone. Take care of yourself. Join us. Bring one more friend to help grow and shield the village. Â
“Black women ain’t bitter. They are just tired of being expected to settle for less.”
— Issa Rae
Burnout Workshop: Catch it Before it Catches You
Monday Sept. 22nd at 7pm ESTÂ 1M4 will host an educational workshop on the warning signs of burnout with practical tactics for guarding against it.
This session will be interactive and centers Black women, while welcoming All.
Registration is complimentary and required in advance to protect the space
Support Xzavier Hill’s Family
On Tuesday September 23 at 10am EST, a petition will be filed with the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington DC in the case of Xzavier’s wrongful death at the hands of Virginia State Police. This filing directly challenges qualified immunity and calls for real justice and accountability in policing.
You can take action by showing up in D.C. on filing day **See rsvp link under Upcoming Events section** or by submitting a Letter of Support. Your words will help the Court understand how deeply Xzavier’s unjust death and the deaths of so many others affect our communities.
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!
A Mental Health Tip For You
Move your body, protect your mind.
Movement doesn’t have to be a workout. Even a daily 10-minute walk, stretch, or dance break can release stress, boost mood, and remind you that your body is part of your shield.
Keep moving! 🩷
Need some jams to help you move… Here’s one of our Founder’s playlists. Don’t judge her 🙂
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.
Like the Dora Milaje in Black Panther, and the real Dahomey warriors of Africa,  we know the power of moving as a women-led army—shoulder to shoulder, shield to shield. Their strength wasn’t just in skill, but in unity, discipline, and the fierce love they carried for their people.
That same spirit fuels us: protecting each other, lifting each other, and refusing to leave anyone behind.
Now it’s our turn to build a shield as strong. Our goal is 4,000 additional members by year’s end. That’s 4,000 more communities covered in safety, care, and knowledge. Together, we’re not just shielding September. We’re shielding our future.
We are committed to covering 4000 families in our lifesaving resources by the end of this year. Join 1M4’s private membership community today and shield the village closest to you.
Let’s do this! Shields up!
Monday Sept 22nd at 7pm EST, join us for this transformative workshop on methods and strategies to prevent burnout.
Registration is complimentary and required in advance.
Share with your circle, if you know they’re feeling stressed and heavy these days.
On Tuesday September 23, 2025, an important Supreme Court filing will be made on behalf of Xzavier Hill in Washington DC. 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 — it’s 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 the team…
* If you need transportation (especially from VA, MD, or DC)
* If you’d 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
Let’s come together to support Xzavier and push back against systems that deny justice. Your presence matters.
Sept 24-28th in Washington DC, we’ll be attending the Congressional Black Caucus’ Annual Legislative Conference (CBC ALC). Come holla at us, if you’re attending too. We would love to meet you, chat, and discuss all things mental wellness and public safety. Â
In September 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!
Ready to join in shielding your community? Click HERE
Ok so… we’re on TikTok now! Follow, engage, and rep 1M4 over there. We’re 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 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. Â
