“You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anybody.” — Maya Angelou
What a week, huh? From alarming headlines to fear-mongering narratives, waking up each day and bracing for what’s next takes a real emotional toll.
This month, we want to pause and say: breathe. It’s okay to feel proud and exhausted, hopeful yet overwhelmed, joyful and anxious. As Black women, we are leaders, caretakers, partners, professionals, and community anchors, often holding everyone else together. But we’re allowed to fill our own cups too.
March is Self-Harm Awareness Month, a reminder to advocate for support and care, especially in our communities, where stigma and limited access often keep people silent.
The data reminds us why this matters:
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Nearly 1 in 4 Black women (23.5%) live with a diagnosed mental health condition. (CDC NHIS 2020)
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Black women are about 30% more likely to experience depression than white women. (WHO, 2022)
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Suicide rates among Black women and girls have risen significantly over the past two decades, with particularly sharp increases among those ages 15–24. (CDC/Columbia study)
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45% of Black women avoid treatment due to fear of judgment (NAMI 2021)
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Black women are less likely to receive mental health treatment, even when experiencing symptoms. (HHS Minority Health)
Behind every statistic is a real person navigating very real weight. Our mental health matters, not just for ourselves, but so we can be present and supportive for the people we love.
At 1M4, we’re here to support you through The Right Response, which offers safe, compassionate approaches to mental health crises that center dignity and care. You deserve support that understands your lived experience.
As we honor Women’s History Month, we celebrate the wins, and we also hold space for the full emotional landscape of Black womanhood.
How are you feeling right now? Drop a word, a sentence, or a reflection below. You don’t have to carry it alone.
Your Sistas Through It All,
The Ladies of 1M4
A mental health tip for you!
Take intentional moments to check in with yourself throughout the day. Pause and notice your feelings without judgment, whether it is stress, sadness, anxiety, or even fleeting joy.
Ground yourself with deep breaths, gentle stretches, or stepping outside for fresh air. Journaling, listening to music, or reaching out to a trusted friend or mentor can also help process what is weighing on you.
Remember, caring for your mental health is not selfish; it is essential. Filling your own cup allows you to show up fully for yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
If you’re looking for additional support, explore our 1M4 Black Mental Wellness Resource Guide for trusted tools and support resources to help you care for your mental well-being.
Black women making history
As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting the Black women in our communities who lead, create, and inspire us every day.
Sista Spotlight: Sharice Jones
Black history isn’t only what we study. It’s what’s being built right now. Sharice is shaping Black history by expanding access to legal knowledge and preparing the next generation to move through this world informed, protected, and empowered.
“I am working to become a paralegal to aid in legal resources becoming more accessible to our community and aid in teaching the youth how to navigate our society and best protect themselves by being well-informed.”
This is legacy work. This is future-facing leadership. This is how Black history keeps moving forward. We honor the women doing the work today that our communities will feel for generations.🖤
Corhonda “Hooda Brown” Dawson
Now who said Black girls can’t swim?! Hooda Brown set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest worldwide scuba dive sequence, completing dives on all seven continents in 11 days, 19 hours, and 23 minutes—nearly six days faster than the previous record. Her dives spanned Antarctica, Rio, Portugal, Morocco, Dubai, Sydney, and Los Angeles.
Hooda told Fox 13 Memphis, “What you dream is possible,” showing that disciplined pursuit can lead to historic accomplishments. Drawing on her own journey, from discovering aquatics during a difficult divorce to inspiring her daughters, she hopes her record encourages wider participation in aquatic sports, especially among groups historically underrepresented in diving.
For Hooda, ending Black History Month on this high note was “so special” and a reminder that Black excellence continues to make waves…literally.
Official Hooda Brown Website
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.
To ensure our community has the resources provided by 1M4 and are fully empowered to shield their immediate community from harm, our Founder will hold weekly office hours to answer any questions and walk members through our safety resources.
No registration required. Simply join 1M4 through the button below then tap into our online community at 12pm EST every Tuesday starting this week.
Got a pressing question? Reply here and we’ll answer you via email and first thing Tuesday at noon EST.
Ok so… we’re on TikTok now! Follow, engage, and rep 1M4 over there. We’re doing our best to reach the people.
Help some Sistas out!
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.
