Ahhhhh Yes!! Today is the official first day of summer or #SummerSolstice!! This solstice also marks the longest day (the longest period of sunlight hours) and the shortest night of the calendar year.
This is one of my favorite times of the year!! And to get you ready, let me drop some summertime hits that are bound to get you in the mood!!
Summertime (1991) ~DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Summertime Anthem(2011) ~Eric Roberson feat. Chubb Rock
Feels Like Summer/Summertime Magic(2018) ~Childish Gambino
As the weather is getting warmer, the days are longer, and spring says farewell it’s time to fuel up the barbecue, dust off your favorite bathing suits, and clear your calendar for some summertime fun!!
“Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August.”
Welcome back to another Wednesday edition of #JoyfulBlackSpaces with BFF guest blogger, Lauren N. Jackson.
What are Black spaces? As a reminder, Black spaces are intentional spaces and environments designed to uplift and empower the Black community. These spaces bring JOY because they allow Blacks to rid themselves of the daily microaggressions, racism, and prejudices often experienced in society, and allow them to fully embrace their Blackness; their uniqueness, dialect, identity, and culture. Black spaces include spaces like higher education institutions, restaurants, churches, museums, and the like.
Today’s #BlackJoy moment we will focus on “The Black Church.”
“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound. That saved a wretch like me.” The sweet sounds of the spiritual song, Amazing Grace, and other hymns are the staple of most Black churches in America. These hymns hold deep meaning and significance within the context of the Black church. They are not merely songs, but powerful expressions of faith, resilience, and hope. These hymns have been passed down through generations, carrying the collective experiences, struggles, and triumphs of African Americans.
Hymns are just one aspect that shapes what the Black church is today. A closer look at history reveals that Black churches were birthed during times of oppression and adversity, and provided a sanctuary for African Americans to gather, worship, and find solace. And for at least two hours on Sunday mornings, Blacks can be free and liberated from societal ills. And today, the same rings true. “The Black Church” has been a place where individuals can express their spirituality freely, connect with a higher power, and find comfort in a community that understands their struggles; all while wearing their “Sunday Best” attire. Predominantly Black churches continue to progressively lead the charge for several causes: spirituality, activism, and leadership.
Weekly powerful sermons by the pastor, moving songs of praise and worship by the choir, and soul-moving prayers by church leaders help to shape and deepen the spiritual growth and development of parishioners. Outside of the four walls of the church, many Black churches have been instrumental in advocating for social justice and working together to address societal issues that impact Black communities: healthcare, poverty, and education; to name a few. The Black church embodies JOY because it’s a space that offers strength, hope, belonging, resilience, and an opportunity to engage in vibrant worship, celebration, and praise!
I would like to shout out two churches that have played an integral role in my spiritual growth and development: Faith Temple Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in Wilmington, NC (my home church) and Cedar Street Baptist Church of God in Richmond, VA (my local church). Thank you to Pastor Lorenzo Edge and Dr. Anthony Michael Chandler, Sr. for your spirit-filled sermons, service to the church and community, and for creating opportunities for me to develop as a leader within and outside the church!
Want to learn more about the Black church? Check out these phenomenal documentaries and articles that highlight the historical foundations of the Black church and their relevance today:
You can also check out some of these top Gospel hits in the playlists below!
“Nothing is more powerful than the Black church experience. A good choir and a good sermon in the black church, it’s pretty hard not to be moved and be transported.” ~Barack Obama
I am truly a sucker for a good book. Getting caught up in a good book definitely brings me much joy!! Books on top of Books, this is definitely something that you will not see a shortage of whether in my home or office. Black joy is not limited to one idea, much like reading diversely is not limited to one genre of interest.
Thus, today’s #BlackJoy moment is all about celebrating Black literary work that encompasses Pride, Juneteenth, and Summer Solstice! Along with my monthly book recommendation list, I am including books that exude and channel Black Joy!!
The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman’s Journey to Every Country in the World ~Jessica Nabongo
It’s Not All Downhill From Here ~Terry McMillan
Open Water~Caleb Azumah Nelson
Who Will You Be?by Andrea Pippins
Friday I’m in Love ~Camryn Garrett
A Lowcountry Bride~Preslaysa Williams
You So Black by Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D
A Garden of Black Joy: Global Poetry from the Edges of Liberation and Living ~Black Table Arts
Meals, Music and Muses: Recipes from My African American Kitchen ~Alexander Smalls
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Dr. G’s Monthly Book Recommendations-June Edition
Jubilee ~Margaret Walker
Power & Magic The Queer Witch Comics Anthology~Edited by Joamette Gil
Black Queer Freedom : Spaces of Injury and Paths of Desire ~GerShun Avilez
Palmares by Gayl Jones
Light for the World to See: A Thousand Words on Race and Hope ~Kwame Alexander
Charming As a Verb ~Ben Philippe
The Brightest Day: A Juneteenth Historical Romance Anthology ~Kianna Alexander, Alyssa Cole, Lena Hart, & Piper Huguley
Beasts of Prey& Beasts of Ruin ~Ayana Gray
Happy Pride Month!! Happy Juneteenth!! and Happy Summer Solstice!!
By sharing these lists I hope they bring you much joy as you read them and please feel free to share these awesome literary treats/books by Black authors with your friends and family!!
And remember you can always go back and check out the previous month’s list and past recommendations in the “Resource” section of the website!!
“Never be afraid to sit a while and think.” ~Lorraine Hansberry
Just wanted to re-share a past discussion I had with one of my friends and colleagues Kaniqua Robinson on the history and contemporary relevance of the Juneteenth holiday as a curated expression of Black joy and agency.
The message then is still very much relevant today!!
“Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another.” ~Toni Morrison
**This article was originally published in 2021. It was updated in 2023.**
Today marks the 158th year since the message of freedom was delivered to those enslaved in Texas, also known as Juneteenth (portmanteau of June and nineteenth)!! A celebration of emancipation, liberation, and Black Joy!!
And what is Juneteenth? Juneteenth refers to June 19th, 1865 the day when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas to inform the 250,000 enslaved Black people that they were free. Keep in mind the Emancipation Proclamation (which ended slavery) had went into effect January 1st, 1863 (also the start of watch night services), so Texas would not get this memo for almost two and half years later. And people wonder why Black people cannot wait for change! Why we are persistent about consistent upward and forward movement! Why are Black people not quick to trust, because of past failures and screw ups like what happened in Galveston, TX. Nevertheless, the chains are breaking and the truth is being revealed.
In a way there has been this sudden awakening regarding the Juneteenth holiday. Much like how the message of freedom was delayed in its delivery to those enslaved in Texas, one could say there is a delayed recognition (on a larger scale) of the Juneteenth holiday. With all of the the national protests, police violence, and continuous murder of Black and Brown bodies of last year the U.S. would be reminded of past moments of resistance and endurance. This acknowledgement rebirth is what I like to think of as a memory survival. As Isabel Wilkerson writes in her amazing book, The Warmth of Other Suns:The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration, “The people from Texas took Juneteenth Day to Los Angeles, Oakland, Seattle, and other places they went.” And thank goodness the memory of Juneteenth will always be present, because we cannot afford to have any more delays, these are moments that we need right now and always!
So when did I learn about Juneteenth, I remember it being brought up during one of my summer classes as an Upward Bound student, and in passing from one of my aunts who lives in Texas. But I would really learn about Juneteenth while attending Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA) and while out grocery shopping and a young man handed me a flyer for a Juneteenth celebration that was set to take place. Outside of the above-mentioned instances, I did not have any previous knowledge. Now I am not surprised by this, nor am I surprised that many other Black folks are only just now aware of what Juneteenth is and its significance. Even though I may not be from Texas, I take Juneteenth as my Independence Day/Emancipation Day, because clearly July 4th is not!!
Juneteenth is not only a day to celebrate, but also another day to inform the masses, continue speaking out on injustices, and always a day to remember! It’s also another excuse for me to celebrate my Blackness and create more ways to express #BlackJoy and agency. This holiday is also an opportunity to instill values of self-improvement, racial uplift, and reclamation of the family unit. These values were personified through religious sermons and the singing of negro spirituals, reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, rodeos, and the preservation of slave food traditions and delicacies (ex. BBQ and soul food). Juneteenth serves as another holiday that allows Black folks to commune and fellowship and just be free with ourselves!!
Today’s #BlackJoyMoment is about honoring and celebrating Juneteenth! In 2023, Juneteenth continues to be more than just a holiday, but in many ways a movement!! Not only are school curriculums slowly changing, but we are also becoming more informed about the holiday through popular media. To get you in the spirit, I have compiled a few things to get you in the celebratory mood!
Television & Film
2nd Annual “Juneteenth: A Global Celebration for Freedom” Concert (CNN & OWN, 8 pm/ET)
Juneteenth Honors (Shades of Black/FAST channel, 8 pm/ET)
Fight the Power: How Hip-Hop Changed the World (2023) [PBS]
Civil War (Or, Who Do We Think We Are) (2021) [Peacock]
Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America (2021) [Netflix]
High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America- Episode #4-“Freedom” (2021) [Netflix]
Miss Juneteenth (2020) [Prime Video, Apple TV+]
Juneteenth Jamboree: A Place For Families (2016) [PBS]
Traditional Food & Drink to Enjoy
Red Foods & Drink [Red foods and drinks are the most prominent feature on a Juneteenth menu]: Red Punch, Red Velvet Cake, Hibiscus tea, Red beans & rice, Strawberries, and Watermelon
BBQ Foods: Chicken, Pork, Ribs, Hot links, and Brisket
Prosperity Meals/Sides: Collard greens and Cabbage, Black-eyed peas, Yams, Sweet Potatoes, Corn, and Cornbread
And as a personal shout-out, check out this latest VCU News article where I am featured sharing my contribution to the Juneteenth Watch-List !!
Juneteenth Flag (The above Blue color represents the horizon blue and the red color below is symbolic of the ground soaked with blood…The five-pointed star refers both to Texas and to the “freedom of African Americans in all 50 states”; surrounding it is a new star, which represents a new beginning for all.)
In the end when I think about Juneteenth I am still hopeful…And I am definitely excited. Juneteenth is a holiday even worthy of being acknowledged internationally. Hopeful that the celebration of this holiday is not just for a moment or season, but for an infinity of lifetimes. Excited because with each passing day more and more people are learning about the importance and significance of Juneteenth!! Even if this is your first year, make sure it is not your last!!
So today’s #BlackJoy moment is about showcasing and celebrating all things Black fatherhood!! Here are five Black Dad influencers who are sharing their fatherhood journeys of love, joy, and grace!!
The Dad Gang(@thedadgang): The Dad Gang is “an organization committed to building community amongst Black fathers globally.”
Black Dads Count (@blackdadscount): Black Dads Count “is an effort to educate, encourage and inspire Black Dads to fully engage in their civic responsibility.”
Dope Black Dads (@dopeblackdads): “Dope Black Dads is a digital safe space for fathers who wish to discuss their experiences of being black, a parent, and masculinity in the modern world. Our aim is to celebrate, heal, inspire, and educate Black fathers for better outcomes for Black families.”
Fathers Incorporated (@fathersincorporated): Fathers Incorporated “works to change the current societal and cultural definition of family to be inclusive of fathers.”
Dear Fathers (@dear.fathers): Dear Fathers “is a media platform dedicated to telling stories of black fathers from all angles while also empowering our community with tangible resources that inspire, heal, and strengthen the Black man.”
“To be the father of a nation is a great honor, but to be the father of a family is a greater joy.” ~Nelson Mandela
I GOT THIS!! Be Your Own Hype Person!! Whether you believe it or not there is value in patting yourself on the back and being your own cheerleader!! One of the many ways this can be done is through affirmations. Affirmations are statements that can brighten your outlook on life and the world. When you say them to yourself regularly or write them down in a journal these statements can change the game!! Affirmations also help build confidence and reduce our stress responses, which in turn can make us more resilient in the face of challenges and crises. The great thing about affirmations is that they have no cost and can be used whenever and wherever!! You gotta love that!!
Today’s #BlackJoy moment is about finding joy in affirmations!! Here are a few affirmations to get you through the day, week, month, or year!!
As you take in these affirmations remember this: Be intentional…Embrace the statements…Breathe in and Breathe out!
We got another week of #BlackMusicAppreciation on deck!! Today’s #BlackJoy curated playlist is all about literal joy in a song!!
Right now is a great time to get some feel-good, healing vibes!! Whether you are taking a morning walk with your dog, a run on the treadmill, or driving your commute to work, a joyful song can set the tone and mood! With everything going on in the world, we could all use some joyful tunes!!
Special shout out to my friend and colleague Shermaine Jones for helping curate this week’s list!! See this week’s #BlackJoy playlist below:
And as a special treat, we got a double bonus with the recent NPR Music #TinyDeskConcert performances from Babyface and Tank!!
Babyface
Tank
And remember if there’s a track or two that you think should make the list, make sure to drop it in the comments section!!
Black Future Feminist 