For the record, Sis, we stay celebrating you every day. But yesterday the world was standing still to celebrate you, too. So we already knew. You were on a tight schedule.
And whether that schedule was packed up with lots of activities or blocked off for some much-deserved “me time”, we didn’t want to hold you up. Because you already know how we feel: We think you deserve it all.
You deserve time to yourself. You deserve moments that nourish your mental health. You deserve self-love and community-love that reminds you of the absolute powerhouse of a woman that you are. You deserve the space to clarify, plan, and implement all the ways you’ll step into and maintain the life you want to be living.
And if the world was helping us support you in that, then we were all for it.
“You don’t have to be healing everyday. You don’t have to be hustling and ‘building’ everyday. You don’t have to push everyday. You have the right to just be. You were born to experience leisure, joy, and rest. “
— Tricia Hersey
In this community, you’re never alone.
Last Thursday, 1M4 went to Richmond, VA, to stand with Latoya Benton, mother of Xzavier Hill, in court as she appealed for judges to not allow officers to be protected by qualified immunity. The battle is not over. But we’re glad we were able to be there to join her community and serve as another reminder that she isn’t doing this alone.
Case Update On: Xzavier Hill and Roger Fortson
As 1M4 was supporting the family of Xzavier Hill Thursday, the video of the murder of Senior Airman Roger Fortson was released. Read our Founders thoughts on this below.
We believe we can stop this systemic issue. We need your help in doing so.
Doctrine to Watch
(Please note: The following discusses Qualified Immunity which is a doctrine and NOT legislative policy)
Article of the Week
Check out what we’re reading and make sure to hit reply and tell us your thoughts!
Florida sheriff releases video of deputy shooting Black man in his home
A Mental Health Tip For You!
Yesterday, your fam should’ve been showing up for you in all the ways. (And if they didn’t, please let them know we need a word.) But why should it stop now? National holidays are a great reminder to slow down and love on those who fill us up throughout the year, yes. But as you very well know, filling up someone else all day is what you do every day. And it can leave you driving on E all year round.
So now that your loved ones and allies have eagerly showed up for you, take time to teach them and sometimes show them how they can show up for you all year long.
Let those kids know how much you appreciate it when they help around the house and then set up a daily routine that they can start doing to keep helping. Let your partner, friend, or family know how much you love the little snacks and gifts they got you. But then let them know what other pick-me-ups really come clutch when you’re feeling down during the week. Set them and yourself up for success.
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.
Yesterday was your day, Sis. And we hope you filled up. On rest and relaxation. We hope you did what you needed to do and what you wanted to do. Made space for yourself. Loved on yourself. Inspired yourself.
Because you do so much for your family and your community and you deserve to get a taste of what that feels like.
Sending all our love your way, Queen.
Your Sistas In ALL Of This,
The Ladies of 1M4
Excited to Rep 1M4?
We’re excited, too! The 1M4 merch will go on presale this month so keep an eye on your inbox — you already know we’re telling you first.
Mississippi Sistas + Allies: Come for the Vibe. Stay for the Sisterhood.
Join us in Brandon, MS on May 25th as we handout information about The Right Response and have local signups to join 1M4 Mississippi. Come meet 1M4 Board member, Laurie, and other 1M4 members in your area!
1M4 Was Featured on Broadcast Television!
(Thank you so much for all of your help and diligence!)
Miles Hall Foundation Group Therapy program
(CALIFORNIA based subscribers only)
The Miles Hall Foundation’s subsidized therapy program is for those in the BIPOC community who have experienced trauma and harm due to police violence, racism, and inadequate mental health resources. Applications are now being accepted for the May 2024 pilot of this new and innovative program. For more information and to apply, click the link below.
Become A Gatekeeper
The Confess Project is hosting multi-city and virtual trainings on how to become mental health advocates in our local communities. These trainings will equip everyday people to use their voices to improve access to mental health care.
