Last month, on October 22nd, in honor of the National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality, we shared with you one of the emotions that served as the catalyst for our organization. We wanted to turn anger into action.
But there’s something else we didn’t tell you.
1M4 wasn’t just born out of anger (although there was plenty of that). We were also born out of love.
Love for our kids. Love for our neighbors. Love for our sistas. Love for our community. Love for YOU. It was born out of the drive to show our people the simple act of kindness that our country failed to do.
The kindness of giving every voice a platform and every soul the support and advocacy they deserved to claim their right, privilege, honor, and safety to take up space in this country and on this earth.
And while starting a whole organization to show a little kindness might be doing the most for some, we know that we’re doing the most for us all. And by doing it together, we’re making the load a little lighter and the kindness stretch a little further.
So today, as we celebrate World Kindness Day, know that you don’t have to make some huge gesture to be kind. You’re already actively doing that by being in our community. Today, you can take it easy on yourself. Give a hug. Send a text to someone letting them know you care and know that this is just a sweet drop in the bucket of kindness you put out into the world all year long.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
— Martin Luther King, Jr.
Sista Spotlight
A couple weeks ago, some of the Sistas of 1M4 traveled to Chicago for a Black men’s mental health event. With over 300+ attendees, we sat in on conversations about supporting our brothers’ mental health. The event has since wrapped up BUT…
We’re still basking in the glow of being together!
Where should we visit next?
Hit the reply button and tell us!
Case Update on Jamarion Robinson
Monteria, Jamarion’s mother, has experienced changes to legal counsel due to promotions.
She is now in the appeals process and it is emotionally and mentally taxing. If you pray, please pray for Monteria and this entire legal battle. Fighting for 7 years is no easy feat.
We will continue to stand with and support her until the accountability she desires is reached. We’re in this for the long haul.
Follow their instagram for the latest news.
Election Check-In:
Last Tuesday, November 7th, Tate Reeves was reelected as the Mississippi Governor. But there were also other key elections held in Kentucky and Virginia.
What are your thoughts on the results. Anything surprise you? Hit the reply button and tell us what you’re thinking. We want to know.
Article of the Week
Check out what we’re reading and make sure to hit reply and tell us your thoughts!
U.S. Department of Justice Launches Investigation Into a Small Mississippi Town Police Department
“No city, no town and no law enforcement agency is too large or too small to evade our enforcement of the constitutional rights every American enjoys,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
This could be great news for our work towards ending police violence with the support of the DOJ. What are your thoughts on this?
A Mental Health Tip For You!
As mother figures, kindness is often our second language. We show our kindness in the love we pour into the kids who look up to us. We also show it in the empathy we give to the people we encounter, and the space we hold for our friends and family. But, Sis, in our pursuit to make the world better, let’s not let people take advantage of that. We have to also show kindness to ourselves.
But sometimes, by constantly giving of ourselves and exhibiting that kindness, the boundary lines get blurred for what we need and deserve. To help bring some clarity back into the picture, try out this Trash, Transfer, Trim, and Treasure exercise. It might be just the thing you need to maintain your peace as we move through the holiday season.
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.
Before we send you on your way to put that extra drop of kindness into your community (or yourself), we have to ask. How can we show some extra kindness to you today? Whether we can send you a virtual hug, lift you up in prayer, or share some resources for mental health support, let us know what you need right now. We got you. Always.
Your Sis In All Of This,
