“You are on the eve of a complete victory. You can’t go wrong. The world is behind you.”
— Josephine Baker
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. And as we begin the month, we’re also recognizing Children’s Mental Health Week, a reminder that care has to start early, and it has to start right.
But for Black women and girls, awareness has never been the issue.
We’ve always been aware of the stress, burnout, and quiet moments where things just feel off. Yet we’ve also learned how to push through, hold it together, and show up anyway. We know what it means to be “strong,” even when that strength is costing us something.
What’s often missing is care that actually meets us there and listens. Care that sees us fully and responds with compassion instead of control.
That gap starts young. A study by the Georgetown Law Center on Poverty and Inequality found that adults believe Black girls need less nurturing, protection, support, and comfort. A related study revealed that Black girls are punished at a disproportionate rate compared to their peers in schools and the juvenile justice system. This pattern is known as adultification bias, and it shapes how Black girls are treated long before they become Black women.
And as they grow, those same gaps follow, showing up in healthcare and moments of crisis.
These aren’t separate conversations. Mental health, physical health, and crisis response are deeply connected. When systems fail to account for our lived experiences, the consequences are real, including misdiagnosis, dismissal, escalation, and harm.
But we also know this: our communities step in when systems fall short.
Last week, we shared that we’re developing a TV series centered on real stories of alternative response—stories that show what it looks like when care is done differently, and done right. Stories that don’t just name the problem, but offer a vision for something better. They’re rooted in dignity, safety, and the belief that people deserve support, not punishment.
Today, we want to share an example of the type of stories we’ll be sharing:
This video shows what’s possible when a mother receives support from an alternative response team in a moment that could have gone very differently. Instead of punishment or harm, she was met with support, understanding, and the kind of response that truly helped her daughter.
This is exactly what we mean when we talk about alternative response. It’s a real, working model that prioritizes people and recognizes that crisis doesn’t require force. It requires understanding.
And this is exactly the kind of story we’ll continue to tell because these moments are happening, and they deserve to be seen. They remind us that another way is possible. That care can look different. That it already does in our communities, networks, and the ways we show up for one another every day.
Because care shouldn’t be conditional. It shouldn’t depend on where you live or who you are.
It should be accessible, safe, and reflect the communities it’s meant to serve.
As we move through this month, we’re not just raising awareness. We’re asking bigger questions:
What does care actually look like for us?
Who gets access to it and who doesn’t?
And how do we build something better, together?
If this resonates, share this post with someone who deserves care that actually sees them.
Your Sistas Through It All,
The Ladies of 1M4
Sista Spotlight: Cassandra Hill
This week, we’re uplifting 1M4 board member Cassandra Hill, recently featured in Ebony magazine, where she reflects on navigating her miscarriage and gaps in care.
Her story highlights a broader reality: Black women face higher risks during pregnancy and are too often dismissed or unheard in clinical settings.
By sharing her experience, Cassandra is helping spark more informed, empowered conversations around Black maternal health.
A mental health tip for you
Photo by Rohan Odhiambo on Unsplash
Ever heard of EFT tapping? It’s a simple somatic practice that uses gentle tapping on the body to help regulate stress, calm your nervous system, and bring you back to the present moment.
It may feel a little weird or silly at first but tapping for even a few minutes can be helpful. You can find short, guided sessions on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube whenever you need a quick reset.
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 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.
