artwork by me inspired by brandy chieco
Listen, I know there has been a lot of reasons not to smile lately, especially if you’re Black in America. The news is on a constant rotation of police brutality and COVID-19. America is finally being exposed for its sins, and while we’re fighting the pandemic, we are forced to fight America’s other lethal virus, racism. Personally, during this time, I’ve been spending my days trying to find a reason to keep smiling. I never thought that finding joy would be a radical act but there is something so powerful in laughing in the face of the oppressor — and while you have every right to be mad, I also want to acknowledge that your happiness can be just as powerful as your rage. Black Joy can be a radical act of resistance, and here are five ways you can tap into it when times get tough.
LAUGH
I tried to find a compilation of black people laughing and this was the best thing I could find on Youtube. This is just a lil’ commentary so don’t take it too seriously but my personal favorite is “The LeBron Laugh.” I can’t wait to laugh this hard around my homies once the Rona is over.
DANCE
I didn’t know this at first but Alvin Ailey has virtual dance classes through Zoom. I found out when I was in a funk and my friend convinced me to take a Vogue class to reactivate my gay femme powers. The best part is they’re donation based (for now), so sign up for free! You can view their virtual class schedule here. Let me know if you tryna do a hip hop class with me soon!
KAYTRANADA
This was obviously filmed during that magical period of time before COVID-19, where America was still ghetto, but at least you could shake your ass in the club a ‘lil bit. If I could go back in time I would tell my past self to go ahead and get that third vodka soda, and trust, when outside opens up my broke ass will never complain about an overpriced drink again.
LISTEN
Identity is really important, and learning the power of your identity can help you find joy in ways no one can ever take away from you.
MADE FOR YOU
A Black Joy Playlist
Suprise! I made a special playlist to all my subscribers with songs created to help you stay motivated and hopeful in this moment. Remember at the end of the day you are the owner of your own happiness and your joy starts from within.
LET ME KNOW HOW YOU’RE FINDING JOY IN THE COMMENTS BELOW
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Remember you are more powerful than you know
Kile Atwater