Written By: Enjelle Mitchell
Journalist
Black Joy means allowing yourself to be free. It means wearing your natural hair without feeling insecure, standing up for what’s right without fear. Black Joy is feeling proud of the skin you’re in, even when the world tries to shut you down and criticize you for things you can’t change. It’s coming out prouder than ever, standing firm in your blackness despite the world’s attempts to demean your Afro-centric features. Black is beautiful, and I will always shout that from the rooftops.
Black Joy is seeing a little Black boy free in his own skin. It’s seeing a young Black girl smile, embracing her natural hair. It’s watching Black men live long, beautiful lives surrounded by people who make them happy. Black Joy is a Black woman standing in her blackness, expressing herself freely through her style, her walk, her talk, her cooking, and her feelings. Black Joy is looking at my people and feeling pride in being Black.
Black Joy is the feeling of waking up in the morning and seeing the sunlight bounce off your rich, melanated skin, reminding you that you are a beacon of resilience and beauty. It’s the rhythm in our steps, the laughter that echoes through our communities, and the resilience that has been passed down from our ancestors. It’s in the way we celebrate our culture, from the beats of the drums in our music to the flavors in our food, each bite a testament to our history and creativity.
Black Joy is the powerful moment when a Black woman looks in the mirror and loves every part of herself, from her coily curls to her full lips. It’s the joy of a Black father teaching his child how to ride a bike, knowing that this simple act of love and guidance, is a form of resistance in a world that often tries to strip us. It’s in the warmth of a Black mother’s embrace, her strength, and her unconditional love that builds the foundation for future generations to stand tall and proud.
There’s a certain magic in Black Joy, a magic that defies the odds and transcends the barriers placed before us. It’s in our gatherings, where we come together to celebrate life, love, and each other, creating spaces where we can often be our authentic selves. It’s in the joyous shouts at family reunions, the soulful singing in praise and worship, and the rhythmic dances that tell our stories and connect us to our roots.
Black Joy is knowing that despite the systemic challenges and the daily microaggressions, we can still find reasons to smile, to laugh, and to love. It’s the act of creativity, creating art, poetry, and music that reflects our experiences and dreams, serving as a reminder that our voices matter and our stories are worth telling. It’s in the success of Black entrepreneurs, the brilliance of Black scholars, and the grace of Black athletes, all of who beat the stereotypes and pave the way for future generations.
It’s in the quiet moments too, the simple joys that often go unnoticed. The feeling of community when you see another Black person on the street and give a nod and/or smile, an unspoken bond of solidarity. It’s in the shared laughter over a good joke, the comfort of a homemade meal, and the simple site of joy after seeing your child come home from school.
Black Joy is intergenerational. It’s the stories our grandparents tell us about their struggles and triumphs, the wisdom they leave, and the love they give. It’s the way we honor our ancestors by continuing to push forward, to dream, and to achieve. It’s the pride in our hearts when we see our children and grandchildren carry on the legacy of strength and resilience.
Black Joy is not just a feeling; it’s a movement, a declaration that we will not be defined by our struggles; but by our achievements, our love, and our joy. It’s a testament to our strength, our creativity, and our unbreakable spirit. It’s a celebration of life, a reminder that despite everything, we are still here, still standing, and still finding reasons to smile and to love.
Black Joy is everything. It’s in our existence, our persistence, our resistance, and the way we celebrate our blackness. It’s looking at my people and being proud of being Black. Black Joy is the essence of our humanity, the heartbeat of our culture, and the light that guides us forward. It’s a love letter to ourselves, a declaration of our worth, and a celebration of our beautiful and joyous Black lives.
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