What does Black Joy mean to you?

February's blogging prompt comes courtesy of CiKeithia.

This first month of the new administration feels as if it has already been four years. Executive orders, a steady stream of companies and organizations abandoning their DEI efforts, and deportations are just a few of the things constantly demanding my attention.

However, I have been reminded—by many people far more brilliant than myself—that this is the point. Bombardment is meant to distract. Eventually, the feelings of being overwhelmed and hopeless can make us give up.

Being mindful of this tactic, I have committed myself to several things. First, staying focused—I do this work because I believe in a world that is both just and equitable. Second, being ready—because the movement needs all of us. And finally, intentionally centering joy every day.

In the spirit of centering joy, I asked everyone on the team to share what joy means to them—specifically, Black joy. I hope you enjoy our reflections.

Chalon: Black joy is a way to be our authentic selves in a world that does not always value/support our existence. Black joy means freedom to be! Freedom to laugh and create freely. Black joy inspires and uplifts; it fills the soul. It is a resilient response to systemic oppression. Black joy is an attitude that defies circumstances. Black joy is being my ancestors’ wildest dreams and continuing the work that they started.

Heidi: I had to resist the initial urge to google ‘Black Joy.’ But this morning, while listening to the Dark Woke podcast, Janaya Khan brought up Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show—calling it a masterclass in cultural artistry and Blackness. One comment stuck with me: Black isn’t just about skin color; it’s about embodying Blackness. I love that as a definition of Black joy— full-bodied expressions of Blackness. Rich, unapologetic, joyful. And now? Now, I’m going to go google ‘Black Joy.’

LaToya: When I sit and think about the beauty that exists in my beautiful Black skin, my curly fro, freckles and moles that align my lips and across my face, I immediately become happy. When I think about the amazing family I have, the cousins with whom I connect, the messages and updates we send each other, I smile. 

When I look at how I'm surrounded by beautiful paintings of Black women that show so much care, love and downright strength in who they are, I feel love. 

Black joy is the monthly gatherings I have with my sisters, chatting it up with my Mom about any and everything. Looking into the beautiful eyes of my daughters and my 3 amazing grandsons - that's joy! 

Black joy is being. Being able to be in this beautiful black body that my ancestors helped to create with positive energies. Energies that keep me so happy, alive and whole and so ready to share with others. Holding and giving love. That's what Black Joy means to me.

CiKeithia: Black joy encompasses so many things for me. It starts with the memories of my childhood. Sunday dinners and summers at my grandmother’s house. Watching the “stories” with her and working on my latest latch hook masterpiece.

Black joy is the sounds of laughter as the children play or running to catch the ice cream truck before it leaves my street.

Black joy is having conversations with girlfriends where we share a lot of laughs.

Black joy is looking into my son’s eyes and being proud of the man he has become. He is truly the best thing I have ever done in my life, my greatest accomplishment. 

Black joy is all things Black. Our excellence, our wisdom, our culture.