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
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. Finding his community, not having to code-switch, and being able to show up as his authentic self is what he advises young Black people to consider if they are ever in a situation where they are struggling to find their happiness.
“I’m intentional about going to Black bookstores, exhibitions, or any type of galleries where it’s for us by us,” he said. “Go to places where your light can’t be dimmed, and you can be free.”
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. Despite systemic racism, police brutality, economic inequality and other factors, studies reveal that Black people report higher levels of happiness compared to white people. This raises the question of how can we better understand Black joy?
The key to may lie in embracing community and social relationships. This is especially crucial for Black people, who have faced complex challenges solely based on their race. The shared disappointments and triumphs within the Black community have fostered a unique culture of togetherness central to Black joy. Black churches, fraternities and sororities, family cookouts, and even organized activities like Black brunches, parties and hikes serve as safe spaces where Black joy is cultivated and experienced.
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. Nia’s Daughters was founded in 2018 to share the experiences of Black women and girls while showcasing dance pieces that were culturally appropriate. The organization has developed into a center for interdisciplinary artistic expression.
“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.”
One of the most powerful sources of joy for Allen is her family history. She’s been able to explore her roots in east Texas at a freedom colony called “1100”, to Mississippi where her ancestors owned land and started a churched called the Atkin’s Chaple, to Senegal, where descendants of her ancestors were taken.
“Traveling to these places gives me a chance to appreciate the simpler ways of life. Stepping away from the urban lifestyle, and enjoying the small things like the sunrise and vegetation and plant life puts things into better perspective,” she said. “When I think about the legacy they’ve built, I’m overcome with so much pride,” she shared. “That pride also gives me joy, and when I think about the challenges we have, I just feel fortified to continue to fight.”
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. Her own joy is rooted in witnessing her students grow, gain confidence, and achieve their goals. Each milestone her students reach serves as a reminder of the impact her work has on their lives and the community at large.
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, offering programs in dance, theater, music, visual arts, and more. The center is set to open in fall 2025.
“Our youth need us now more than ever. Life can be beautiful if we are willing to give them the right guidance,” she said. “My purpose is to do what I’m called to do in this earth and give back with my gifts as much as I can. That is what Black joy means to me.”
