In the wake of Sonya Massey’s tragic death, we continue to grieve the countless lives unjustly taken by police violence.
This Suicide Prevention Month, we know the sadness, numbness, and heavy emotions can feel especially overwhelming — and if someone hasn’t told you this yet, just know: it’s okay not to be okay.
Despite the stigma and hush-hush of it all, so many of us are experiencing those dark days that come with even darker thoughts. You know the ones like “Would my family be better off without me?” or “Will I ever make an impact?”
But the devil is a lie, Sis! You are loved, valued, and wanted. This world would be dimmer without your light, so let’s normalize talking about these feelings in our community. There’s no shame in experiencing them.
As Black women, we’re often the primary caregivers and sources of strength for our families, but we need support too. That’s why it’s so important to check in with each other, uplift our fellow 1M4 sistas, and use a directory like The Right Response when you need emergency assistance during a mental health crisis. Let’s keep showing up for one another.
“I was always apprehensive of the term ‘strong black woman’ because it dehumanizes us and makes it seem like we don’t hurt.”
— Taraji P. Henson
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.
Today, get to know one of our Sistas and see how she inspires us!
Sharron Stephens
Sharron was an inaugural Mental Health Policy Fellow with Inseparable over the last year, and she and her peers completed their fellowship this month.
Kudos, Sharron, on helping to increase mental health access through legislative policy research. She will present her work this Fall in Washington DC.
Case Update On Terence Richardson & Ferrone Claiborne
Since joining Terence, his legal team, and his family in court in May 2024, the judge has agreed to allow new evidence to be presented to the courts. Though we think this should have happened years ago, we are grateful it is happening soon.
Now, how soon? *shrugs* We are still waiting to be informed of the new court hearing date. We truly wish releasing people from wrongful incarceration was as quick as locking someone away.
This is not justice.
Please continue to follow their legal journey and share with your network.
Poll Watch
We are less than two months away from Election Day. Have you confirmed your registration status? If not, do so here.
It is important that you check your registration status and have a plan to vote. Are you working on November 5th? Plan to vote early (if available in your state), vote earlier in the day before work, or plan to wait in a line (pack water and snacks).
Whatever you need to do to cast your vote and have your voice heard, do it.
Any questions? Simply reply to this email and we will help.
What We’re Listening To
This week She The People podcast highlighted the work of 1M4 and The Right Response.
Tap in on your morning drive or as you relax at the end of the day. Search “She the People” on your favorite podcast platform.
Share with your friends!
A Mental Health Tip For You!
Suicidal thoughts can be intense and scary, especially when you’re stuck in a loop of dark thoughts. One thing that might help is creating a safety plan. Think of it as a personal, step-by-step guide to support you when you’re in crisis.
This plan includes things like identifying triggers and writing down activities that can help calm you or de-escalate tough situations. Just having these steps written down can be comforting and help prevent you from spiraling. If you feel this could be helpful, here’s a Safety Plan Template to get you started.
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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As we move forward in our healing journeys, even when life’s demands don’t pause and we feel like giving up, it’s important to lean on our support systems. Whether it’s family, our sistas, or resources like our directory, you don’t have to go through any of this alone. Things can and will get better. It’s also crucial to seek help from the right sources. Our beloved sister Sonya Massey, who also struggled with mental health issues, thought she could turn to those tasked with serving and protecting us, but it unfortunately ended in tragedy. So, if you haven’t already, go ahead and bookmark The Right Response page. In a mental health, behavioral health, or substance abuse emergency, our directory connects you to trained mental health professionals in your area who can offer support onsite.
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You Got Your 1M4 Merch Yet?
Visit the 1M4 merch store to make sure you’re stepping out with style and advocacy. All sales help support and fund the work of 1M4.
Be sure to tag us when you rep the gear! @1M4
Today is the 1st #988Day! Help share information about the #988Lifeline by sharing the theme: “No Judgment. Just Help.”
Let us know if you have used 988 or shared it with a friend. We want to hear about your experience.
The Mental Health Literacy Collaborative (MHLC) has officially launched its MHL Aware Certification Training.
Mental Health Literacy (MHL) Aware is a 60-minute training (with an optional certification) that benefits professional, personal, and community needs for knowledge, language, and confidence around the topic of mental health. This training is the first step in guiding people to successfully integrate MHL into the fabric of their community. The Aware training focuses on educating individuals about 1) What MHL is, 2) Why it is beneficial, and 3) How they can bring this information to their community. In addition to these core focus areas, the training provides basic, real-world application strategies. The cost is $30 per person for live trainings and $25 for the asynchronous course. Group rates are also available by contacting info@themhlc.org.
