When the New Year came, as always, we were bombarded with the “new year, new me” energy. The hype was all up and down our feeds. And because we’re not one to get in the way of anyone’s level-up, we were all for it.
But be real with us, since the New Year, have you also maybe been feeling a little sluggish? Maybe a little anxious or even a lack of interest in “making moves”?
If so, let us be the first to remind you: The winter blues are a very real thing. With that “stay-inside” cold weather and nature’s naturally sleepy appearance, it’s understandable that you may feel like you just want to slow down and do nothing. But as the cold starts to fade away, and Spring starts to show its face in the sun and the flowers, let this be the loving tap you need to reconnect with yourself!
Coinciding with the Spring energy, April is Move More month and it’s the perfect time to start trying to slip movement back into your schedule. Because moving your body, even when you feel like you don’t want to, is good for your mind. It reduces stress and releases hormones that pick up your mood. Making it much easier to manage those kids, navigate your life, and take care of yourself.
“Though we live in a nation whose founding principle is freedom, far too many of us deprive ourselves of the opportunity to get beyond our daily urban routine to gaze upon the grandeur of the world.”
— James Edward Mills
Sozosei Summit Spotlight
1M4 Founder, Tansy, and 1M4 Board Member, Laurie, traveled to the Sozosei Summit 2024 this past week. Check out some of our pics from this historic event below!
Case Update On: Xzavier Hill
We are two weeks away from standing with Xzavier’s Mom, LaToya, at the court hearing for the murder of her son.
Please join us May 9th at 8:45am in Richmond VA at the Lewis Powell Courthouse located at 1000 East Main Street.
In the meantime, learn more about Xzavier and how to support this case here:
Legislation to Watch
HB24-1103: Prohibiting Term Excited Delirium
California and Colorado have passed legislation to ban “excited delirium” from being listed as a cause of death. This term has historically been used by law enforcement to explain why people, often Black or Brown, die in police custody. The term would absolve law enforcement of accountability and instead blame loss of life on a term that is not scientifically based.
What are your thoughts on this term being removed nationally?
Article of the Week
Check out what we’re reading and make sure to hit reply and tell us your thoughts!
Black men’s perceptions of mothers as primary support for wellness
We have always known that our sons see us as a source of love, wellness, and support. But did you know it has now been researched?
We have data to back us up, ladies.
A Mental Health Tip For You!
Movement for your body is important. But on the days when you can’t get out and you’re stuck in the office or on the couch, make a pivot and focus on your breathing instead.
Breathwork is a powerful tool when it comes to managing stress, anxiety, and the overall tension that our bodies feel throughout the day. From basic to complex exercises, breathwork gives you the power to do what movement does, all in one sitting. It can release tension, and tightness, and regulate your nervous system so that you can take your body out of fight-or-flight mode and return it to itself. Your inner peace.
And heads up, if you’re new to this, you might feel a little silly the first couple rounds. But keep at it. Soon enough, weaving this little piece of mindfulness into your daily practices will begin to make a big difference.
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.
Movement isn’t always what you think it is. It’s not only about getting on that exercise bike, taking a run, or doing a few sessions of that HIIT exercise. It can literally just be about moving.
It can be taking yourself (or the kids) for a walk in the park and just soaking in nature as it springs back to life. It could be doing little stretches throughout your meetings. Or it can mean doing a dance to Tony! Toni! Tone! as you make dinner. Whatever gets your body moving and benefits your mind is a win in our books.
Your Sistas In ALL Of This,
The Ladies of 1M4
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.
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.
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.
