“There's so much negative imagery of Black fatherhood. I've got tons of friends that are doing the right thing by their kids, and doing the right thing as a father—and how come that's not as newsworthy?”
— Will Smith
While they commemorate different things, both invite us to reflect on the legacy of where we’ve come from, who carried us here, and what we’re building for the generations that follow.
This year’s Juneteenth arrives during a moment when many Americans are debating how our history is taught, remembered, and honored. From efforts to roll back DEI initiatives to ongoing disagreements about how race and racism are discussed in public life, many Black communities have expressed concern about what feels like a growing resistance to conversations about our shared history.
But Juneteenth has never depended on permission. Long before it became a federal holiday, Black families and communities gathered to celebrate it anyway. That legacy reminds us that history, culture, and joy don’t disappear when they’re overlooked. We honor them because they matter and because the generations before us fought too hard for us not to.
This is a celebration of resilience and the enduring pursuit of justice. But it’s also a reminder that progress doesn’t happen on its own. Every step forward has been made possible by people who believed future generations deserved something better.
That spirit feels especially important as we celebrate Father’s Day.
Black fathers, grandfathers, uncles, mentors, brothers, and father figures have long served as anchors within families and communities. They pass down stories, values, traditions, and hard-earned wisdom.
They teach resilience while nurturing hope. They help young people imagine futures bigger than the challenges in front of them.
Too often, conversations about Black men focus solely on hardship, stereotypes, or statistics. Those realities matter, but they are not the whole story.
The whole story includes love, protection, guidance, and sacrifice. It includes the countless ways Black men show up every day for their families and communities.
They’re not only expected to be strong for others, but are also given the support, care, and space they deserve.
At 1M4, that vision continues to guide our work. Whether we’re advocating for safer crisis response systems, supporting families, or building resources for communities, we believe that creating a more just future requires all of us.
So this week, we celebrate. We celebrate the generations who came before us and the progress they made possible, the fathers and father figures who continue to show up with love and commitment, and a future that remains worth fighting for, building toward, and believing in.
Happy Father’s Day, and we hope you had a meaningful Juneteenth from all of us at 1M4. ❤️🖤💚
Your Sistas Through It All,
The Ladies of 1M4
In Memory of Kohen Wiley
This week, we pause to honor Kohen Wiley, a beautiful, one-year-old child whose life was taken far too soon.
We do not have all the words right now. But we want to hold space for the grief, heartbreak, and anger so many of us are carrying in the wake of this devastating loss.
We also recognize that this tragedy may be especially painful and triggering, as it brings up deep and difficult truths about the injustices that continue to impact Black families and communities. Please take care of yourself as you engage with this news.
In this moment, we hold Kohen’s mother, family, and loved ones in our hearts. We remember Kohen, mourn the loss of a young child… a baby… that deserved so much more, and make space for all that this moment may bring up for our community.
For those who would like to learn more, and if you feel ready to do so, here is recent coverage of Kohen’s murder at the hands of law enforcement.
A mental health tip for you
A reminder from 1M4: If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis, navigating a difficult moment, or simply looking for support, The Right Response can help connect you to community-based resources, including non-police crisis response programs, peer support services, and other forms of care.
Everyone deserves access to support that meets them with compassion and dignity, and sometimes the hardest part is knowing where to start.
If you’re looking for additional support, you can also explore our 1M4 Black Mental Wellness Resource Guide for trusted tools and support resources.
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.
This summer, 1M4 is hosting a series of Sunset Walks across multiple cities as part of our fundraising campaign.
Each walk, taking place in cities including Nashville, Northern Virginia, Jackson, Charlotte, Detroit, and Atlanta, will bring together community members for an evening of connection and collective action.
Together, we’re raising funds to support 1M4’s ongoing work building tools, advocacy, and support systems that advance care-centered crisis response across the country.
More details, city-specific info, and links coming soon! Mark your calendars for August 15th.
As we focus on bringing our TV series to life, we continue to uplift the work of trusted community partners. On our website, you’ll find upcoming events hosted by these organizations so you can stay connected to the resources, conversations, and support you need.
To make sure our community has the tools to stay safe and support each other, our Founder, Tansy, holds weekly office hours to answer questions and walk members through 1M4’s safety resources.
No registration needed. Just join 1M4 via the button below, then hop into our online convos at 12 PM ET every Tuesday.
Got a pressing question? Send an email to info@1m4.org, and we’ll get back to you before the next session.
Cheat Sheet for Recognizing Black Women
This guidance is shared by Dr. Kimber Shelton, whose work continues to center the importance of culturally responsive approaches to mental health and well-being for Black women.
Below is a cheat sheet of awareness events and programs tailored for Black women, offering ways to better recognize, support, and center us throughout the year.
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.
