When Malcolm X said “The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman,” he wasn’t lying.
During this Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we want to highlight the unsettling reality that, while Black women are at the forefront of the fight against police violence, many of us also endure violence at the hands of our partners.
Due to systemic racism in our social structures and policies, Black women experience domestic violence at higher rates than other communities. Nearly 45% of Black women report experiencing physical or sexual violence from a partner.
On top of this, we’re 1.4 times more likely to be killed by the police than white women. This is why many of us hesitate to involve the police, even when our safety is at risk.
Those who do seek help often find themselves in dangerous situations, with Black women disproportionately criminalized. We are 80% more likely to be convicted for killing an abusive partner when defending ourselves.
Suffering in an abusive relationship can also lead to severe trauma and mental health issues, making it even harder to break free and rebuild.
To combat this problem, we encourage you and our 1M4 Sistahood to support our upcoming Home for the Holidays campaign in November and December. Simply share our directory with other Sistas in person or on social media, especially those who might be experiencing a mental health emergency.
The organizations listed provide trauma-informed care, counseling, and trained response teams that can significantly help Black women navigate their challenges. By promoting these resources, we can ensure that our Sistas receive the care they need without the risk of criminalization.
Let’s come together to create a network focused on healing and stability, allowing our Sistas and others in our community to thrive and be in safe homes for the holidays.
“I am no longer accepting the things I cannot change. I am changing the things I cannot accept.”
— Angela Davis
Do you know someone who’s used The Right Response? Share the above link with them, so they can tell us what happened and ways we can improve our site for others.
Sista Spotlight
In our community, we team up when needed.
But don’t get it twisted; our Sistas are out there changing lives on their own.
Today, get to know one of our Sistas and see how she inspires us!
Radiance Bryant
1M4’s Correspondence Secretary, Radiance, has expanded her business to include podcast and content creation rental spaces in Las Vegas NV.
We are proud of Radiance for creating such a beautifully welcoming space to help local creatives tell their stories in their voice and in their truth. Kudos, Radiance!
Check out The Absolute Radiance creative studio.
Case Update: Atatiana Jefferson
Atatiana’s family hosted their 5th annual Pull Up 4 Tay weekend of festivities in support of The Atatiana Project.
Check out photos from the Fort Worth, TX event and follow their journey to empower Black and Brown children to pursue careers in STEM, continuing Atatiana’s legacy.
Election Check-In
We’re only two weeks away! In case you missed last week’s guidance, be sure to review this checklist to ensure that you’re fully prepared to vote. Let’s avoid any mishaps or surprises before the big day. Happy voting! ✅
If you have any questions or concerns, simply tap “reply” to this email and we’ll help you figure it out.
Please send us your early voting pics so we can highlight you!
Note: photos cannot feature any specific candidate. Just highlight your gorgeous face and the “I Voted” sticker
Article of the Week
We need justice.
As we mourn yet another tragic death due to police violence, you can read more about Justin’s heartbreaking story in this article:
Unconscious while Black: Justin Robinson’s death by D.C. cop sparks outrage.
A Mental Health Tip For You!
Sisss, please tell me you’ve heard of adult coloring books?👀
Curling up with a coloring book and a warm cup of tea or coffee on a cold day can be a great way to unwind. If you’re a mom or caregiver, get the littles to join in too—it’s a perfect opportunity for some peaceful moments together! This simple act of creativity allows you to express yourself and de-stress, providing a much-needed escape from the demands of daily life.
As you immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and intricate patterns, you can find a sense of calm and mindfulness, much like meditation. Plus, it’s a delightful reminder that you’re never too old to enjoy the soothing pleasure of coloring! So grab your favorite beverage, let your imagination flow, and relish this cozy, therapeutic moment to recharge your spirit and lift your mood. And if you’re looking for Black girl-themed illustrations, check this one out and add it to your Amazon cart!
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.
The systemic lack of support for Black women can trap those dealing with domestic abuse in a cycle of violence. But here’s what we’re not gon do, Sis: We’re not going to feed into any negative narratives that we are alone. There are safe spaces where we can seek help and healing.
If no one else will protect us, we’ll protect each other.
Reaching out for support is a powerful step toward breaking free from the pain and reclaiming your life. Don’t let fear or shame hold you back from leaving your abuser.
Whether it’s through community organizations like Black Women Revolt Against Domestic Violence, trusted sistas, or mental health resources like our Right Response directory, there are people and spaces that understand your struggles and can provide the support you deserve. You have the strength to take control of your future, and by seeking help, you can start to create a life filled with safety, love, and empowerment.❤️
Your Sistas In ALL Of This,
The Ladies of 1M4
October 22: 29th Annual Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality
If you would like to be included in this year’s graphics, see details in the flyer below.
October 26: GirlTrek Sunrise Rally for Joy and Justice
Movement is important for our health and wellbeing. This re-founding moment of GirlTrek seeks to extend the life of Black women by ten years in ten years. Join us at sunrise in the “A” on Oct. 26th.
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.
The Mental Health Literacy Collaborative (MHLC) has officially launched its MHL Aware Certification Training.
Mental Health Literacy (MHL) Aware is a 60-minute training (with an optional certification) that benefits professional, personal, and community needs for knowledge, language, and confidence around the topic of mental health. This training is the first step in guiding people to successfully integrate MHL into the fabric of their community. The Aware training focuses on educating individuals about 1) What MHL is, 2) Why it is beneficial, and 3) How they can bring this information to their community. In addition to these core focus areas, the training provides basic, real-world application strategies. The cost is $30 per person for live trainings and $25 for the asynchronous course. Group rates are also available by contacting info@themhlc.org.
