We don’t have to explain to you a mama’s love. You already know what it’s like to birth someone. Care for someone. Or just want the absolute best for someone.
As a mama or mama figure you know that indescribable feeling of being completely invested in seeing the growth of someone you’d give the world for.
This week, we’re swimming in the overwhelming power, light, and strength that is that love. Because this week, 1 Million Madly Motivated Moms (1M4) is turning 6. Founded on June 13, 2018, 1M4 was sparked by our love for our sons, daughters, nieces, and nephews. It was born from the love, hope, and fierce protection we have for the people in our circle and the lives we want to see them lead safely.
This organization was created with a massive goal. To protect them, you, and to achieve justice for so many lives that were taken too young at the hands of police brutality. And over the years, as our numbers and impact grew, we’ve cared and invested in that goal with every step forward we’ve taken together.
So this week, we’re celebrating our anniversary. We’re celebrating you. And we’re celebrating the love for our people and the hope for a better world that brought us together in the first place.
“Coming home every night to my girls reminded me what I was looking for. And by pursuing my dreams, I was modeling for my girls how to pursue their dreams.”
— Michelle Obama
Sista Spotlight
Our re-launch of 1M4 merchandise could not come at a better time. It’s just in time for our anniversary, Juneteenth, and weeks before Bebe Moore Campbell’s Minority Mental Health Month which is happening in July!
Check out some of our members and their loved ones in our gear.
Be sure to grab your gear and represent in your city once the online shop opens!
Tag us at the festivals, marches, protests, and gatherings you attend and be sure to share The Right Response with your people using: @weare1m4 #1M4 #therightresponse )
Case Update On: Preston Banks
This is a name you likely do not know. Preston was killed in Flowood, MS on Monday by Flowood Police Department. This happened during what his mother, Geomarion, deemed a mental health crisis. Preston has a mental illness diagnosis and had attempted to contact his mother because he was confused and disoriented. His mother then traveled to local police departments asking for help locating Preston, including the Flowood Police. They told her it was outside of their jurisdiction since she is a Jackson resident.
Later that afternoon, Preston was killed by police at a Flowood apartment complex that resembled his apartment in design.
Initial reports stated Preston was attempting to burglarize a unit and had shot at police. Then police reported he “presented a weapon.” As you may know, police are not always honest in self-reporting incidents involving their staff. The family has not yet seen evidence of a weapon in Preston’s possession.
Why are we sharing this with you? Because we want to remind you that our mission is the end of police violence and we have been working with Preston’s family in attempts to preserve evidence of his murder.
If something similar happens to your loved one, please immediately draft and submit a letter of preservation to local businesses requiring them to keep unedited video footage and any evidence associated with the tragedy. Evidence in police violence cases disappear or are often withheld.
We want you and your family informed and the harm documented. Read about a letter of preservation at the link below.
What We Learned
Check out what we’re reading and make sure to hit reply and tell us your thoughts!
Colin Kaepernick talks about autopsy initiative
It is important for victims of police violence to seek out independent autopsy reports as autopsies associated with and reporting to law enforcement agencies may not always tell the true story of what occurred.
Check out the Know Your Rights campaign free autopsy offerings and make sure to share it with your network. We shared this with Preston’s family as well.
A Mental Health Tip For You!
ISummer is here. And while these kids will be quick to make you believe it’s all about them, we wanna give you some encouragement to be selfish. Let some of this summer be about you, too. Because #HotGirlSummer isn’t just for the youngin’s. And it’s not just defined by an unattainable body image that the media says you need to have.
#HotGirlSummer gets to be what you want it to be, sis. Which means maybe #hotgirlsummer looks like trying out a new hairstyle. Maybe it’s slowing down and taking a break from those rigorous workouts and giving your body a break. Maybe it’s dropping the kids off at grandmas to give yourself a lil’ retreat. Maybe it’s taking off work on a Friday and spending the day with the kids, your toes in the sand, and Return of the Mack blasting in your airpods. Whatever it is, let it be yours.
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.
It’s been six years of mamas and mama figures banding together to call politicians and demand change. Sending donations to support families impacted by police violence. Attending conferences, podcasts, and other networking events to get the word out that Black families and Sistas are not doing this alone.
It’s been six years of making our voices heard. And our impact is evident. Our sisterhood has never been stronger. Our network has never been bigger. And the change we’re making has never felt more powerful. This year alone, we re-launched The Right Response directory. A directory dedicated to providing resources for alternatives to police response and community-led emergency support. Not just for our community but for all.
It was broadcasted on one of the biggest stages in America (GMA3). It was promoted at a Super Bowl Event, and thanks to you, it continues to reach the ears and eyes of those who could need it most.
From the bottom of our hearts: Thank you.
Your Sistas In ALL Of This,
The Ladies of 1M4
Excited to Rep 1M4?
We’re excited, too! New merchandise will be available this week! So keep an eye on your inbox.
Uplifting Black Mental Health
If you’re in the DC area, come through and sit in on discussions that cut down the stigma surrounding Black men’s health and mental health. This event is open to all, so sistas, make sure to share this with the brothas in your life! Our founder, Tansy McNulty will be attending as someone who loves and is raising Black men!
Gen Z + Mental Health: A 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 (psychiatrist), Taun Hall (mother of Gen Z youth; Miles Hall Foundation) and Aabrielle Spear (Gen Z youth; Youth Media Group).
This kitchen table talk is one you do not want to miss. Stay tuned for the flyer and registration link.
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.