Yeah, we see what’s happening…
The new administration is gutting DEI and accessibility policies, threatening decades of progress. This isn’t just about politics—it’s about our jobs, our rights, and our futures.
From government offices to private companies, these rollbacks put Black women and marginalized communities at even greater risk.
And all this during Black History Month?
If you’re feeling frustrated, fearful, or just plain exhausted—we’re here for you. The Right Response Directory has mental health resources, community support, and crisis intervention tools.
Use it, share it, and remember: we can only sustain when we take care of ourselves first.
Here’s what else you can do right now:
✔ Know Your Rights – Stay informed on workplace protections and legal resources.
✔ Support & Amplify – Lift up Black-led DEI and accessibility efforts under attack Review NAACP’s Black Consumer Advisory (govern yourself accordingly)
✔ Push Back – Call on companies and organizations to stand firm in their commitments.
✔ Join & Donate – Support groups like 1M4 to build strong community networks when the government fails to protect us.
They can try to erase us, but we’re still here. Loud, proud, and ready to stand up for what’s right.
“Although slavery may have been abolished, the crippling poison of racism still persists, and the struggle still continues.”
— Harry Belafonte
Sista Spotlight
We were outside OUTSIDE last weekend in the Bronx. We passed out information about the Right Response directory. Listened to local community members excitement and experiences with alternative response models, and… We Got An Award!
Though we don’t do this work to gain awards, it was nice to be recognized for our commitment to mental wellness and expanding access/awareness of alternatives to police for mental health emergencies.
Become a 1M4 Ambassador
Sista Notice:
We need you to be the voice of mental wellness and safety in your community. We will equip you with resources but we need you to get them to your folks. We’re also planning more in-person Sista CheckIns. We need your leadership to make it happen.
Join us through the link above.
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!
Case Update on Sonya Massey
Sonya Massey called for help. A deputy killed her instead.
Now, Sangamon County has approved a $10 million settlement for her family. This is a step, but justice isn’t just a payout—it’s accountability. While Deputy Grayson was fired and charged, real change means no more Sonya Masseys and an end to police violence.
Read more about the settlement.
What We’re Reading
A recent Johns Hopkins study reveals that over 300 juveniles were shot by police between 2015 and 2020.
These findings emphasize the urgent need for policy change and community-driven solutions to protect youth. Read more.
A Mental Health Tip For You!
Who else needs a break from the crazy news cycle, work, the constant requests to do stuff for everybody…?🙋🏾♀️
Let music be your escape with these calming frequencies:
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432Hz – Deep relaxation & grounding
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528Hz – Mood boost & positivity
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741Hz – Clears anxious thoughts & promotes inner peace
Lo-fi beats, nature sounds, or your favorite feel-good playlist can also work wonders. Take a breath, press play, and let the stress melt away.🎧✨
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.
Fix it, Jesus!😩 The attacks on DEI, the erasure of hard-fought progress—it’s exhausting. The weight of constantly pushing back, speaking up, and showing up takes a toll. That’s why rest is resistance too.
And if the weight of it all feels like too much, you don’t have to carry it alone. The Right Response directory has mental health resources, community support, and crisis intervention tools. Call 988 if you need someone to talk to immediately. But if you need someone to come to you onsite, use The Right Response.
P.S. Let us know how we can improve our directory by filling out the survey that was shared earlier in this email. We value and need your personal insight!
Your Sistas In ALL Of This,
The Ladies Of 1M4
This one’s for the New Mamas in Nevada
1M4 Board Member, Alisa Howard, and her team are working to improve the Black maternal mortality rates in Nevada. If you or someone you know resides in Nevada and are either currently pregnant or up to one year postpartum, please consider working with this team to improve health outcomes. Program is offering $100 per meeting for participants.
Email: info@minorityhealthconsultants.com to express interest!
1M4 Board Member, Cassandra Hill, is in the running for Entrepreneur of Impact award for her work amplifying Black women. The award comes with a $25K grant, Forbes feature, and 1:1 coaching with Daymond John. Cast your vote for Cassandra at the above link.
Learn Why We Are Resting on March 10th
Then Set Your Calendar Block
A simple OOO message will do and be sure to share a Harriet quote in there for good measure.
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.
