A love letter to the mamas who raised us, the ones who wrapped us in love, the ones who did their best with what they had:
To the aunties, big sisters, and chosen mothers. To the mothers who are still here, and the ones we carry in memory—we honor you.
Your love and legacy lives on.
Every day is Mother’s Day for us. We recognize how Black women carry so much…and too often alone.
And sometimes, it takes everything in us just to keep our families safe.
That’s why we’re resharing the story of Crystal, a Minneapolis mom who knew her daughter needed help—but didn’t trust the police to show up with safety and care. When her daughter experienced emotional breakdowns and self-harm, Crystal turned to Canopy Roots, a non-police behavioral crisis response organization.
Her choice made all the difference. Here’s their story:
“Thank you for carrying me, birthing me, raising me, supporting me, teaching me, and loving me unconditionally! The woman I am today is because of everything that you are.”
— Rihanna
We’re building a future where more families have access to this kind of care—where trust replaces fear, and wellness replaces punishment.
Because Black mothers shouldn’t have to choose between calling for help and protecting their children.
Share this video and email with another mom or ally in your network. We want everyone safe, well, and supported.
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
Let somebody else take care of you today. Put the cape down. Quit all the fussin’ and hollerin’ at the kids for a minute—and just breathe.
Take 15 mins to an hour (or longer) of uninterrupted time for yourself. Step outside, put on a song that calms your spirit, journal, or just sit in stillness. You don’t have to earn rest. You already deserve it.
Because even superheroes need time to recharge.
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.
Sista, you deserve more than survival. You deserve care, joy, and rest today and every day.
For every Black maternll figure showing up with love, even when you’re tired, or every caregiver carrying more than your share, we’re here for you.
This work—reimagining crisis care, replacing fear with trust, and protecting our communities—starts with honoring the wellness of Black women. Always.
We’re holding space for you today, this month, this year… and building a future where you’re never left to carry it all alone.
It’s still Maternal Mental Health Month and our Instagram stories are encouraging you to share the music that uplifts you through your mental health journey.
Join us by “adding yours” to our daily prompts. *SEE: our IG stories*
Check our IG post and join in the fun (and awareness)!
June 3-5 we’ll be back in NYC at the Alternative Response Convening leading a conversation about the importance of community engagement in designing alternative response programs and gathering input to help us revamp and revolutionize the Right Response directory.
There are still a few spots left to register.
Meet us there!
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.
