We’ve got a couple pressing things on the agenda this week. But first, we’ve gotta break it down one time for the real ones.
That’s right. We’re sending a B I G shoutout to all the father figures out there today. Raising these kids is not for the weak or for the faint of heart. And while so many mamas muster the strength to do it alone, the father figures who step-up, show up and stand-up are an undeniable reminder that none of us should be.
Because these kids (and us mamas) need all the support we can get.
And when father-figures are active and present in the picture, mamas have more space to balance their needs. Kids have more space to feel supported. And families on a whole, have more resources to find mental wellbeing.
So yeah, from all the ladies of 1M4, tell the father figures in your circle that we see them and we’re grateful for them. They’re out here doing the work. And we’re here to protect them because we need them. So let them kick up their feet today. We’re for you, always, Sis. But today, we gotta show them a lil love, too. 😂
“I just hope my children grow up saying my dad was my good friend and supporter. I was fair and just, helped them whenever they needed me to. And, that there was love. My children know what it is to have a hug and a kiss, be cuddled and feel comfortable.”
— Idris Elba
Brotha Spotlight
Though we are a women led and powered organization, we work to protect the Brothas, too.
It is our love for them that keeps us fueled and passionate about ending police violence and decriminalizing mental illness. Share the Right Response with a father figure in your life today. It helps reduce law enforcement contact with those in need of a health and care-centered response.
Case Update On: James Williams & Frank Tyson
George Floyd’s attorney joins call for justice against Canton police
This is the same police department that killed James Williams January 1 2022. We are so tired of the repeated unnecessary murders. Smh.
We are sharing this case to shine a light on how IF there had been more accountability back when James was murdered… then maybe this man would still be here. It also shines a light on what wrongful incarceration can do to people. Just like Terence Richardson and Ferrone Claiborne.
Legislation to Watch
This bill signed into law is intended to divert mental health patients away from jail detentions. Read up on it and then be sure to hit reply and tell us your thoughts.
What We’re Reading
Check out what we’re reading. What are your thoughts on this?
The Criminalization of Black Men’s Mental Health
A Mental Health Tip For You!
IThe idea that men (especially in the Black community) should never show emotion or discuss struggles in their mental health is still heavily pushed. And while we once referred to it as a stigma, this recent article from NAMI is helping us see that it’s so much more than that. It’s discrimination.
Enforcing the idea on Black men and young boys that they’re meant to be rock-solid providers without chinks in their armor or emotions is dangerous. It creates a mental environment where they’re shunned from expressing their needs and taking care of their mental and physical wellbeing. And as partners in this fight with them, we need to be an active part of the solution.
So this Father’s Day, take a silent commitment to watch out for these embedded beliefs. Pay attention to the jokes you make or the actions you take. Are you ever dismissive of their emotions? Looking past mood changes? If so, don’t be ashamed — it’s something to unlearn. Challenge yourself to start holding space to dive deeper. Check-in on them more. Give them space to unwind. Help us break down these walls one “how are you” at a time.
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.
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Excited to Rep 1M4?
We’re excited, too! Our new fundraising shop is OPEN! Take a look, order some gear, and wear it to a protest, court support, family cookout, or on an errand run.
Be sure to share and tag us @weare1M4 so we can highlight you.
Gen Z : A Mental Health Conversation
Join us on June 25th at 7pm EST as we sit down with experts and discuss Gen Z and signs of mental illness. This event will livestream on Facebook, Linkedin and Youtube.
Panelists will be Dr. Dionne Hart (Board Certified Psychiatrist), Taun Hall (mother of Gen Z youth; Miles Hall Foundation Executive Director) and Aabrielle Spear (Gen Z youth; Youth Media Group Intern).
This kitchen table talk is one you do not want to miss. Register today and share with your network.
1M4 Was Featured on Broadcast Television!
(Thank you so much for all of your help and diligence!)
Become A Gatekeeper
The Confess Project is hosting multi-city and virtual trainings on how to become mental health advocates in our local communities. These trainings will equip everyday people to use their voices to improve access to mental health care.
