Can we set the record straight right quick?
Right now, we’re in the early days of Black August, and we’re giving big shoutouts to the leaders that have inspired, motivated, and literally been birthed in this month.
Leaders like Marcus Garvey, a Black nationalist born on August 17th, who was the
leader of the Pan Africanism movement. Or Marsha P. Johnson, born August 24th, who was a self-identified drag queen and a key figure in the Stonewall uprising in 1969.
And let’s not forget about brother Fred Hampton, deputy chairman of the national
Black Panther Party, who was born on August 30th.
This month is electrified by the memories and legacies of these heroes who have
paved the way for the work we do today. BUT (you knew that was coming, didn’t you)
while their contributions were (and still are) invaluable, we have to make sure you
know that the buck doesn’t stop with them. They were leaders, and so are you.
Yeah, you may not wear the long black jackets or be front and center in the streets of a protest, but there’s nothing Marcus, Marsha, and Fred did that you can not do. They simply heard the call and stepped up when needed, and as a member of the 1M4 community, your fellow Sistas are here to support you in making sure you feel safe and secure in doing the same.
“Let me just say: Peace to you, if you’re willing to fight for it.”
– Fred Hampton
Sista Spotlight
In our community, we team up when needed.
But don’t get it twisted; our Sistas are out there changing lives on their own.
Get to know some of our Sistas and how they inspire us!
Cassandra is a Master Life Coach, Wellness Coach, and Holistic Health Practitioner.
She loves to write during her downtime, or you can catch her unwinding with a good
book. Learn more about Cassandra here.
Roni, Nevada
Roni is an advocate for technology education, especially self-paced learning. She
opened Feathernest CoLearning Group so that people have a place to go when they
need a place to learn and grow at their own pace. She loves to cook traditional foods
in new ways. She also loves attending live theater performances with her 7 year old
daughter.
Self-Care Sunday(A Mental Health Tip for You)
Self-Care Sunday
Stepping into the role of “leader” may feel daunting. But as a member or ally of the Black community, trust that it’s a quality you’ve always possessed. Getting some clarity around tackling it just requires a bit of creative introspection.
To help you do so, consider spending some time alone and working your way through this worksheet, Advocating for Better Community Spaces, provided by Mental Health America in honor of last month’s Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.
Not only will it help you explore the ways you can gain clarity and direction on stepping up for your community, but it’ll pull back the curtain on showing you the power you’ve always had.
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.
Despite the realities the Black community continues to face, the progress we have made is indisputable, and Black August helps us commemorate that.
This month has birthed leaders, but it has also been the hallmark of our strength.
Moments like the Watts Uprising, Nat Turner Rebellion, and the Fugitive Slave Law Convention all happened in August.
And though these things took place long ago, they set the stage and made space for even further advancements. They became a triumphant reminder of what you can do alone and what we can do together.
Your Sis In All Of This,