Although health and happiness were plastered on our vision boards last month, there’s one thing we’ve been dedicating all our energy to…

Something that directly impacts both of those things. Any thoughts?

It’s making sure that everyone knows where to turn to when they (or someone they love) are experiencing a mental health or behavioral crisis. It’s making sure everyone has access to The Right Response.

Updated to reflect the most up-to-date information while being user-friendly, our updated community and alternative response directory is designed to make getting access to the help you need as easy as pulling out your phone and looking up restaurants near you.

With such ease of access, it was designed to give you more safety when experiencing a mental health emergency and more confidence in the people coming to help you.  

It’s giving safety, confidence, health, and happiness. It’s ensuring the future of Black History. We missing anything else for 2024?

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
— Nelson Mandela

Superbowl Spotlight

We’re heading to the Super Bowl activities this week and we need your help in identifying sports media, personalities, celebrities etc., who are committed to mental wellness, social justice and racial equity. 

Anyone come to mind? We want to connect with them in person. 

You know we’re used to taking flag football kiddos to games. We’re not as familiar with who the play makers are on & off the field at the professional level. So, please! Hit the reply button and help some Sistas out! 

Case Update On: Terrence Richardson and Ferrone Claiborne

 

 

WE WON!!


That was the top line of the text we received this week and we are in awe & tears. This week the court ruled in favor of Jarrett Adams law. This means we’ll be able to present all evidence in Terrence’s innocence in an evidentiary hearing. 

Yall…we have been with these guys for over 3 years (of the last 25 years) of their wrongful incarceration. This is a major step toward exoneration.

Continue to amplify their case on social media, sign their petition, and tell everyone you know about the two men who we found “not guilty” and are still “serving life”.

Legislation To Watch

A 1515

This new bill proposes to give civilian police oversight boards in 4 major New Jersey cities the ability to subpoena witnesses and statements when police have complaints filed against them.

What are your thoughts on this?

Article of the Week

 

Check out what we’re reading and make sure to hit reply and tell us your thoughts!

N.J. lawmakers move bill forward to give some civilian review boards subpoena power

This week’s article details why a civilian boards subpoena power is important. It also highlights police officers’  testimony asking that the bill not progress.

What are your thoughts on why they would be opposed to this? 

A Mental Health Tip For You!

Black History Month activates our community. It reminds us of our potential. But it also reminds us of our past and what we’re working toward. Not just here, together in 1M4, but every day that you pour into your loved ones and steer them into their futures. This month brings ALL the energy for systemic change.

 

But before all the rhetoric gets you hyped up and ready to put on your #sistasoulja gear, take a step back and ask yourself: how can you make your moves this month intentional rather than responsive.

 

Because remember, Queen, not every problem is yours to fix. So before giving your energy to every cause that asks for it, ask yourself: where do you want to show up for your community right now? What’s really on your heart — not the world’s? And how can you answer that while still prioritizing your needs?

And while you’re finding that answer, do us a favor. Make sure to give yourself credit for what you’re already doing! After all, you’re living and making history just by being in our community.  

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.

 

We weren’t born yesterday. We know A LOT has been happening since we dropped our community and alternative response directory. So much so that sharing about it may have gotten lost in the fray.

But as you move through Black History Month and consider the ways you want to show up, we invite you to keep The Right Response in your mind, in your phone, and in your conversations.

Help us make sure that everyone in our community knows how they can get access to the help they need, when they need it, and from who they need it. Let’s gift everyone safety and compassion this year as they deal with the blindsiding ramifications of a mental health or behavioral crisis.

Let’s ensure everyone gets treated to The Right Response.

Your Sis In All Of This,

Tansy