“Telling my story is to empower people to believe in their own power. We have so much power individually.” — Angelique Kidjo
Who do you call when someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis?
Today marks International Day Against Police Brutality, a reminder that police violence is not just an American issue, but one impacting communities around the world.
Research shows that nearly half of police killings in the U.S. begin with non-violent incidents or interactions, underscoring why expanding crisis response options and mental health support is so critical.
When emotions are high, and someone is overwhelmed, spiraling, or not themselves, what they need most is calm, care, and understanding.
For many of us, this answer feels automatic. But safety isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is crisis response.
At 1M4, we believe care is a form of protection. Especially during mental health episodes, when people are most vulnerable. Too often, for communities like ours, involving law enforcement in these moments can escalate situations instead of easing them, turning a health crisis into something far more dangerous.
That’s why preparation matters.
Expanding what safety looks like doesn’t mean rejecting help. It means broadening it, knowing when a trained mental health responder may be more appropriate, and understanding that local, non-police crisis options like our directory exist.
Because in a hard moment, clarity matters. The right response matters. And the right support can change everything.
We’re inviting you to take one simple but powerful step: share The Right Response with someone you love. Text it. Email it. Drop it in the group chat. Send it to your sibling, your partner, your best friend.
Being prepared is love in action.
We don’t build safer communities by accident. We build them intentionally by supporting each other and having honest (and tough) conversations about mental health.
So ask yourself: If someone I love is in crisis, do I know who to call? If the answer isn’t clear, let’s change that together.
Share the directory. Start the conversation. Be part of the right response.
A mental health tip for you!
Use art as a release. Drawing, coloring, doodling, or even abstract painting can help externalize heavy emotions.
During heightened emotions, try putting the feelings somewhere outside your body. Paint colors that match the mood, grab a coloring book, or draw something that makes you feel good.
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: Whitney Bunts
Some people design the systems that make it real. Whitney is shaping Black history by building pathways toward safety, dignity, and care—and by refusing to accept a world where Black people are expected to simply endure.
“Every day, I’m working to end state-sanctioned violence through building safe and effective systems that center the well-being of Black people. My life’s purpose is Black Liberation, Joy, and Love. A society where they thrive and not just survive.”
This is liberation work.
This is joy as strategy.
This is history being written in real time.
Letitia James
Letitia James made history as the first Black woman and woman of color elected to statewide office in New York and the first woman chosen as Attorney General.
She has built her career advocating for communities often pushed to the margins, including workers, immigrants, tenants, and children. Letitia recently announced the creation of a team of legal observers to monitor and document ICE enforcement actions across New York, ensuring that operations stay within the limits of the law.
Last May, she also secured a court order blocking efforts by the Trump administration to dismantle three federal agencies that provide critical support to public libraries, museums, workers, and minority-owned businesses nationwide
We honor Letitia’s bold leadership and the example she sets in defending the rights and dignity of our communities.
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.
