What does Black joy represent to you?

The Power of Black Joy: Defying Suppression and Embracing Celebration

Black joy is a powerful, multifaceted form of resistance, resilience, and celebration. It’s a term that holds deep significance within the Black community, not just as an expression of happiness but as an act of defiance against a world that has long sought to suppress it.

Black joy is deeply rooted in history, tracing back to the days of slavery and colonialism when Black bodies were exploited and dehumanized. Despite the brutal conditions, enslaved Africans found ways to express their humanity through storytelling, music, dance, and community gatherings. These acts of joy were their way of reclaiming space and time in a world that denied them both.

The pervasive nature of white supremacy is designed to silence and diminish Black expression. Yet, despite these efforts, Black communities have continued to find ways to celebrate their culture, their lives, and their achievements. This act of joy rejects the narrative that Black people must always live in pain or fear; it declares that Black lives are full of beauty, creativity, and love.

Meaning of Black Joy

Houston artist, William North. Credit: William North

Mufasa’s Pride mentor and artist, William North, is a father who expresses his Black joy through the love he shares with his seven-year-old son. Fatherhood is a role he believes is often misrepresented but is undeniably a key to the fabric of society.

“I could tap into areas of love I didn’t think I could with him. It was a level of love I have for him that I didn’t think I could have for anyone,” he said. “I’m mindful of my impact on his life because it contributes to his development and maturation. This feeling is so intimate, it’s hard to describe.”

As a community mentor, North is dedicated to building up the next generation of Black men through community initiatives and programs. He describes the experience as a “brotherhood,” where the older mentors pair up with the younger mentees to exchange ideas and create a safe space for inner-city youth who desire an accountability partner and team.

Self-expression is also an important factor to North when discussing Black joy. Tapping into his creative abilities, learning about his African history, and supporting other Black artists in Houston are just a few things he enjoys.

Life’s biggest questions are measuring satisfaction, contentment and fulfillment. Joy is often interchangeable with happiness and positive well-being, though it’s hard to define and quantify, especially from a Black perspective.

Nia’s Daughter Movement Collective. Nia’s Daughter’s Movement Collective Facebook

Stacy Allen, founder and artistic director of Nia Daughter’s Movement Collective, says she experiences Black joy through creating a safe space for young Black girls to thrive in the world of arts and dance.

“Black joy is the ability to create the life you want to live, free from external expectations that may be negative,” she said. “My community work is really at the intersection of performing arts, culture, education and wellness.”

Denisea Woodard is the artistic director of the Rising Star Dance Academy. Credit: Denisea Woodard

Denisea Woodard is the artistic director of the Rising Star Dance Academy in Houston. She defines Black joy as an “empowerment” that stems from overcoming adversity.

Woodard’s commitment to her students is evident in her recent accomplishment of purchasing land to build a full youth development center. The center will be a “one-stop shop” for young people to explore the arts and gain access to critical resources.

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