We’ll be honest. We don’t know (far less understand) half of the words coming out of music artists today.
And yeah, we look real old school as we ask the kids for the 3rd time in a row to break down the lyrics for us. But listen. A gap in generation and music taste does not stop us from still celebrating one thing: Black music continues to be a vibrant display of our people.
From the very beginning, music has been the heartbeat of our community.
They have been a record for our stories, a ballad for our sorrows, a bop for our joy, and a creative outlet and expression of the complexities of who we are and all the ways our magic continues to shape the world.
So this month, as we gear up for Juneteenth (🙌🏽) listen to it. Listen to our people. Not just that Tina Turner or Tony! Toni! Toné! album. Go deeper. Listen to artists like Etta James, Ritchie Havens, or The Watts Prophets. Listen to our stories. Listen to our pain, our joy, our hope. Listen and celebrate.
“Black music has always known, and not been afraid to acknowledge just how high the stakes of Black thought are.”
— Frank B. Wilderson III
Sista Spotlight
It’s almost Juneteenth. Do you have an upcoming event the ladies of 1M4 should attend to share our mission and The Right Response directory? Let us know by hitting reply.
Case Update On: Marlon Howell
Last month Marlon’s case was featured on “It Couldn’t Happen Here.” You can watch the trailer below. We have been supporting Marlon’s innocence since 2021 — assisting with connecting family to their legal counsel and using our network to reach out to other prominent organizations doing exoneration work.
To join the fight, follow the journey to support Marlon’s innocence HERE. Watch the trailer here:
Then watch the entire documentary on Amazon Prime, Roku, Sling, or Youtube Premium.
Share Marlon’s story with your network. Let us know your thoughts on ways to free Marlon. A day on Death Row is horrible but 24 years… that’s criminal. Help us free him.
Legislation to Watch
When incarcerated people are counted in the prison or jail, it takes resources from their home cities — reducing their count toward needs for things like hospitals, schools, grocery stores etc.
See below excerpt from Prison Policy Initiative. (Note: this is why 1M4 pushed so hard in 2020 to get as many Black people counted in the Census as possible. It’s all about resources being allocated to our communities.)
On May 17th, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed HF 4772 — an omnibus elections policy bill — into law, officially ending prison gerrymandering in the state. With this action, Minnesota joins the rapidly growing list of states that have taken action on this issue. The measure requires state and local governments to count incarcerated people at their home addresses when drawing new political districts during their redistricting process.
What We Learned
Check out how the Know Your Rights Camp (KYRC App) lets you know and compare traffic and peace officer laws across states:
A Mental Health Tip For You!
It’s a great time to brush up on artists that have shaped Black music into what it is today. But don’t get us wrong…still take every chance to blast Prince, MJ, Boyz II Men, and whoever else gets you up out of your seat.
Moving your body is an essential part of maintaining your mental well-being but studies show that listening to music can also significantly increase those benefits. It can:
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reduce stress
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improve brain function
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help you eat less
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manage pain
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motivate you
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improve your mood
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help you sleep better
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and so much more.
So yeah. Blast it, sis.
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.
You’ve got an extra reason to turn up this month. But in case that’s not enough, make sure to cop some of our brand new 1M4 gear once it drops. (yall… this has been a labor of love. But labor none the less 😆)
With new designs, unisex fits, and a chart-topping mission, it’s a great way to protect and promote our and our families wellbeing — while letting the world know about the people and culture we’re standing on business for.
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.
Black Men! This One’s for You.
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. (Sistas, make sure to share this with the brothas in your life!)
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.
