Sis, this Health Literacy Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s get serious about our health.
Taking care of our health can be tough, especially with the structural racism and economic inequities Black people face daily. But we should always prioritize our physical and mental well-being—not just for ourselves, but for our families and communities.
Did you know that Black women are more likely than other racial and ethnic groups to die from cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, lupus, and several cancers? Here are a few more alarming stats that highlight the urgent need for early detection and care:
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40% more likely to die from breast cancer
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3-4x more likely to die in pregnancy and 5x more likely to die from pregnancy-related cardiomyopathy and blood pressure disorders
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3x more likely to die from COVID
These disparities make it even more important for us to stay informed and proactive about our health. Improving health literacy means understanding our risks, knowing when to get screened, and advocating for ourselves in the healthcare system.
Let’s take action by asking more questions at our doctor visits and seeking out reliable health resources and providers like the ones offered by the Black Women’s Health Imperative.
Our mental health is just as important. We are more likely to experience depression and other mental health challenges, which is why resources like our Right Response directory are vital for finding safe, supportive care.
Our health is our power, and without us, our communities can’t thrive. Let’s continue to lift each other up and focus on healthier futures for all of our Sistas.
“When you take care of yourself, you’re a better person for others. When you feel good about yourself, you treat others better.”
— Solange Knowles
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!
April Stromas
Speaking of us being serious about our health and advocacy…April recently returned to school to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing so she can better advocate and provide care for the health of her special needs son and other marginalized people.
To say we are proud and in awe is an understatement. Clears throat Paging Nurse April! 😊
Case Update: Xzavier Hill
Xzavier’s mom, LaToya Benton, is still waiting for a response from the courts since the May hearing discussing the officer’s request to use qualified immunity as their protection against accountability.
It it amazing how quickly a life can be taken vs how slowly the judicial system holds people responsible for taking that life.
Follow and support LaToya and Xzavier’s family HERE.
Election Check-In
Your voice matters in this historic election! November 5th is right around the corner, so now is the time to check your voter registration status. Please make sure you’re 100% ready to cast your vote by going through this checklist. We’ve got this!
Any questions or concerns? Simply click “reply” to this email and we’ll help.
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 see you, Sis!
Learn more about this opera singer’s incredible mission:
Chicago native returns to Lyric Opera for opera dealing with police brutality.
A Mental Health Tip For You!
You might just need some more vitamin D in your life! As Black women, we’re often at a higher risk for vitamin D deficiencies because our skin naturally blocks more sunlight. Low levels of this essential nutrient may cause fatigue, anxiety, and even depression.
This is especially prevalent during the colder months when seasonal depression can creep in due to less exposure to sunlight.
To help protect your mental health, make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D by eating foods like fatty fish or fortified dairy, and try to get outside in the sun when you can. If needed, consider adding supplements—but always check with your doctor first.
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.
Jesus take the wheel! With everything we’re up against, from health inequities to the ongoing trauma of police violence to the heartbreak of Marcellus Walker and Emmanuel Littlejohn’s death penalty executions, it’s no wonder so many of us are going through it.
That’s why taking care of ourselves is more important than ever. Prioritizing our mental and physical health isn’t just an act of self-care—it’s an act of survival.
When things get tough, don’t hesitate to lean on resources like our directory for the support you need. Remember, Sis, you can’t pour into others when you’re running on empty. Let’s take care of ourselves so we can continue showing up for our families, our communities, and each other.
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.
