By: Molly Mazur
Black Joy is Resistance
Throughout Black History, joy has never been easy or accidental; rather, it has been a deliberate act of resistance. In the face of slavery, violence, murder, and ongoing systemic oppression, Black communities have maintained their humanity through joy. In spaces like barbershops, protest lines, churches, and other black spaces, Black culture is radiated through music, storytelling, laughter, dance, and community. These are not distractions from struggle, but strategies for survival. Through Black joy, a dominant narrative of suffering is disrupted, rewritten to affirm spirit, humanism, and tenacity.
The Healing Power of Joy
Joy is a form of survival for Black people, not a luxury. It can be challenging to create space for joy amidst feelings of grief, systemic injustice, and modern racism. Using joy as a healing strategy can promote empowerment and hope, leading to positive change. Seeking joy in your daily life through humor, music, celebration, and community is what Black communities have paved the way in wellness for centuries. Taking a note from their playbook can create a substantial shift in mindset, from pain management to healing the nervous system by actively choosing joy.
Protecting Black Joy
Black joy has been historically minimized, and has led to violence, policing, and death. In a system where black oppression is exhausted, protecting black joy is a necessary and intentional act. Below are ways to take action and guard joy as a form of resistance and care to be on the right side of history:
- Celebrate Black culture: uplift Black culture in your community by supporting Black-owned businesses, engage in collective efforts of resistance, and make space to experience Black art, music, history, and celebrations.
- Joy without Justification: In times of political upheaval, instead of erasing joy, demand it. Joy is an act of resistance and reminds others that survival is not a solo act. Joy is not avoidance; it’s self-care.
- Set Boundaries Unapologetically: Protecting Black joy requires removing the things that threaten it. Reflect on the spaces, relationships, and systems in your life that provoke racism. Setting those boundaries can be really difficult, but they are required for Black culture to flourish and for new histories rooted in justice, liberation, and joy to be written.
