We don’t know if you know, but it’s stress awareness month. And we got something to say.
To our fellow Black community, as we stand in arms with our allies, we need you to know that educating, nurturing, progressing, and inspiring the world is not your responsibility. Even on the days it feels like it is.
As Black people, because of our past in this country, we hold the weight of feeling like we have to make our worth known. We hold the weight of teaching the children of systemic racism how to respect us. We hold the weight of watching our culture be absorbed and distilled. We carry the weight, power, and force of who we are.
And don’t get us wrong. There are so many days when we can FEEL the blessing and privilege that that is. But if we’re keeping it real, there are also days when we feel the stress that that brings. And this stress awareness month, we encourage you not to sweep it under the rug. Instead, see it. Acknowledge it. Hold it. Care for it. And when you’re ready, get the support you need to set it back down.
“If we focus on our health, including our inner health, our self-esteem, and how we look at ourselves and our confidence level, we’ll tend to make better choices for our lives, and for our babies.”
— Queen Latifah
1M4 Was Featured on Broadcast Television!
1M4 Founder and Board Member Will Be On Good Morning America 3rd Hour!
Did you catch us on Good Morning America 3rd Hour (GMA3) Wednesday? If not, we have you covered. Watch the segment below and share with your network how you joined our community of supporters to end this systemic issue.
Case Update On: The Right Response
We usually update you on specific cases we are working towards accountability on. However, we cannot and do not ignore the recent highly visible and tragic deaths of Black & Brown youth at the hands of law enforcement during health crises. We share their names and stories below in hopes that we learn about their cases and to help us to uplift The Right Response directory. We must get different responses to our youth. We must also help them find resources and get help prior to things elevating to crisis levels.
Can and will you help us spread the word about The Right Response?
Ryan Gainer; 15 yrs old (March 9th)
Win Rozario, 19yrs old (March 27th)
Unnamed California teen, 17 yrs old (April 2nd)
Legislation to Watch
Call on Congress to Improve Local 988 Response
NAMI is working to improve funding for 988 to help get localized responses to the community. Take a look at their one pager in the link and decide for yourself if you think these changes will be beneficial to your family and network.
Article of the Week
Check out what we’re reading and make sure to hit reply and tell us your thoughts!
Gun Violence Exposure and Suicide Among Black Adults
This study shows the correlation between exposure to gun violence and the increase in suicidal ideation amongst Black people.
A Mental Health Tip For You!
We’ve said it before but it bears repeating: Finding the right therapist is everything. It can be the difference between feeling heard and feeling seen. It can be the difference between just going to therapy and actually getting support.
So if you go to a therapist, and something doesn’t click (i.e. you don’t get good vibes, you don’t feel like you can be open, or you think there are too many cultural barriers that would prevent you from truly being understood) then know that you can walk away.
You deserve and need a space that feels safe. A space where you know you can say anything and it can be received with compassion and understanding. Now, it might take some time to find that space but believe us when we say: It is absolutely worth it. To help get you started here are a few places to check out and share with your network:
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For peer support: Call Blackline
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 stress that’s accompanied with being a Black person in America is not the only part of your identity. We know that. But it is a part. And today, we wanted to acknowledge that. Because sometimes, in the hustle and bustle of everything else, we forget that that beast of systemic racism is still playing into so much that we do and see.
So honor it. And also honor that your kids have not given you a moment of silence today. Or that your boss is asking you stupid questions. Or that your good Sis is making the mistake you tried to steer her away from. Or that your partner still didn’t do those dishes. Or that there are a million other things on your mind that are making you feel like there’s not enough time in the day or money in the bank to handle.
Honor all of it. And then get the support you deserve to navigate it.
Your Sistas In ALL Of This,
The Ladies of 1M4
P.S. – Stress can spiral. Especially when you least expect it. If you believe you or a loved one is experiencing a mental or behavioral crisis, visit The Right Response to locate trained professionals for support.
We’re Heading to Philly!
1M4 is attending the Sozosei Summit April 16-17 in Philadelphia to collaborate with others in decriminalizing mental illness!
1M4 Was Featured on Broadcast Television!
(Thank you so much for all of your help and diligence!)
Spotlight on Our Work
Our Founder was featured in Business Insider this week discussing why she started 1M4 and the importance of The Right Response directory.
Check out the article and share with your network. We need as many people as possible to know about The Right Response and our growing grassroots organization.
Join GirlTrek’s Spring Walking Challenge
Over the next 10 weeks we will join GirlTrek in promoting self-care for Freedom Fighters.
That’s each one of us.
We must take care of ourselves so we can not just survive but thrive in this life.
Take The Release The Pressure Pledge
With high blood pressure being an issue for nearly 80% of Black people, 1M4 is committed to doing what’s needed to protect our heart’s health and we’re asking you to do the same.
Bob Marley: One Love Social Impact Scholarship
This scholarship for HBCU students supports those in community organizing, nonprofit leadership, or social justice. Deadline: April 30th
Emerging Leader Fellowship 2024 Application
“The Emerging Leaders Fellowship is a semester-long program designed for organizers building power in community organizations, labor unions, or advocacy groups.”
Deadline: May 5th
Freedom Summer ‘24
Apply to join the JULIAN organization in commemorating 60 years since the Freedom Summer. The coalition building effort for voter access, advocacy, and policy innovations will take place this summer in Mississippi. Applications accepted until May 10th on a rolling basis.
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.
