“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” — Ida B. Wells
Black women are truly the architects of change, the builders of families, movements, and safety nets when none existed.
We lead not just in history books, but in courtrooms, classrooms, city halls, organizing meetings, and beyond. From ending violence to protecting children, reshaping policy to holding communities together, we have been designing a freer future all along.
March calls us to pause and reflect. Yesterday was the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which reminds us that justice is not abstract. It requires daily courage to challenge systems that were never built with us in mind. March 25, the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery, calls us to honor the lives whose labor, resistance, and sacrifice built the very foundations we stand on.
These dates are not just historical markers; they are invitations to remember and care for ourselves as we continue the work.
Black women, you carry so much, and yet you are allowed to prioritize your well-being. 1M4 is here as your shield and your village. Use and share The Right Response, join 1M4 if you haven’t already, and know that support is always within reach.
We want to hear from you: how are you filling your cup today? Drop a comment and let us know what self-care or reflection looks like for you this month.
Your Sistas Through It All,
The Ladies of 1M4
A mental health tip for you!
Take a moment to reconnect with your body and release tension with this simple somatic exercise because caring for yourself is the first step in caring for others.
Try the Hand-to-Heart Pause: place one or both hands over your heart, inhale slowly and feel the rise under your hands, and exhale, sending warmth and compassion toward yourself.
This simple somatic exercise helps calm the nervous system, reconnects you to your own care, and reminds you that even when you’re carrying the weight of the world, your well-being matters.
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: Dr. Kim Everett
As she shares:
“Honoring Black history means investing in Black leaders today by creating spaces where we reconnect to our inner wisdom, clarify our values, and lead with care and purpose, impacting generations to come.”
Ruth E. Carter
Ruth is a trailblazer in costume design, telling stories that honor Black culture and history. On January 22, 2026, she earned her fifth Oscar nomination for Sinners, becoming the most-nominated Black woman in Academy Awards history, with two wins for Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Her advice to the next generation? “That little thing that burns inside of you is the thing that you need to pay attention to. Keep pushing through, and you will achieve greatness.” Her work proves that creativity, vision, and perseverance can leave a lasting mark on the world.
In Loving Memory of Dr. Linda Davis
We want to take this moment to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Linda Davis, a beloved special education teacher at Herman W. Hesse K-8 School in Savannah, Georgia. On February 16, she was tragically killed while driving to work when a man fleeing an ICE traffic stop made a reckless U-turn, ran a red light, and crashed into her vehicle less than a mile from the school. She later died from her injuries. The driver was arrested and charged with first-degree homicide and other offenses.
Though Dr. Davis was in her first year at Hesse, she had already made a profound impact. Colleagues described her as an “exceptional educator” who “dedicated her career to ensuring that every child felt supported, valued, and capable of success.” A former colleague shared that she “always made you feel like you mattered,” whether you were a student, teacher, or custodian.
As national debates continue around immigration enforcement, her community is choosing to remember her not for the politics surrounding her death, but for the warmth, encouragement, and love she carried into every room.
In Loving Memory of Kiki Shepard
Earlier this week, we received the sad news of the passing of KiKi Shepard. In this moment, we’re holding space to honor her life and legacy—a cultural icon whose presence helped redefine what beauty, grace, and Black excellence looked like on screen for so many of us.
Below, our founder, Tansy McNulty, shares a personal reflection on KiKi’s impact and the legacy she leaves behind.
We lost a legend last night. For many of us, we grew up watching “Showtime at the Apollo” and seeing KiKi Shepard on television as this stunning, glamorous, Black woman every week affirmed for us that we, too, are beautiful.
KiKi transitioned yesterday, and I ask that you hold her friends & family in prayer and thought, particularly her friend, Dawn, who is a supporter, colleague, and friend of 1M4.
I had the opportunity to meet KiKi back in 2023 at a summit for Black women in the nonprofit sector. I remember how awestruck I was just being in that space with such an icon in American history.
She truly was a trailblazer and opened doors, expanding how grace and elegance were defined on screen.
May she rest well, and may each of us walk into every space we enter with our head held high, remembering that we, too, are blazing trails and standing on the shoulders of the giants, like KiKi, who came before us.
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.
