Murals have been part of our global and cultural landscape for many, many years. I am always a fan of seeing what beautiful images are displayed on the walls of the various places that I visit and where I live. One of the great things about murals and street art is how they bring up feelings of pride, legacy, empowerment, and freedom. Murals and street art bring people together to celebrate the heritage and history of one’s neighborhood and community.
Here are some reasons why murals and street art are important and necessary:
Both create vibrant neighborhoods that invite people to visit, live in, and take careof
Murals encourage you to take time and admire your surroundings
Convey social and political messages/Create important conversations and expanding thought
They can potentially generate revenue for local businesses
People can feel represented and see themselves in the art
In the past few years, there has been an increased interest in this global ephemeral form of art, which is seeming to develop a sub-culture all its own. Moreover, today’s #BlackJoy Moment is about showcasing Black murals across the globe!! Check out some of the amazing murals that can be seen all over the world…
“The Journey Forward“… Artists: Nadd Harvin and Humble (Mended Walls project)… Where to find: 319 Brook RD, Richmond, VA
“We Still Here!“ … Artist: Gaia, Jetsonorama, & Ursula Rucker… Where to find: 22 Maplewood Mall, Philadelphia, PA
“We Rise” … Artist: Rachel Wolfe Goldsmith … Where to find: Lane Community College – Mary Spilde Center, Eugene, OR
“Unknown Name” … Artist: Nardstar … Where to find it: Observatory neighborhood/Side street off Lower Main Road, Cape Town South Africa
“Strange Fruit”… Artist: Dammit Wesley … Where to find it: 345 N. College St. Charlotte, NC
“Take My Hand” … Artist: Michael Rosato … Where to find it: On the side of the Harriet Tubman Museum & Educational Center, 424 Race Street, Cambridge, MD
“The Torch” … Artists: Aniekan Udofia with Mia Duval …. Where to find it: On the side of Ben’s Chili Bowl 1228 U St. NW Washington, DC
“Helping Hands” … Artist: Muhammad Yungai…Where to find: 111 James P. Brawley Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA
“You cannot enjoy the rhythm and ignore the blues.” … Artist: Shona Hardie … Where to find: Dance Base, 14-16 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JU, UK
“Black Lives Matter”…Artists: Jujmo (B), John Gascot (L), Cam Parker (A), Catherine Weaver (C), Nuclear Sky (K) Wayward Walls (L), Laura Spencer (I), James E (V), Esh (E ), Jade Jackson (S) James Freeman Kitchens (M), MegaSupremo (A), Von Walters (T), Plum Howlett (T), Melanie Posner (E), Daniel R5 Barojas (R) … Where to find: In front of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African-American Museum, St. Petersburg, FL
Some days are good, some days not so good…but through it all, it is important to realize we are the conductors of our life and we have the final say about it!! Considering what we have experienced (and are experiencing) in the past few years globally and personally we could all use a daily dose of motivation. I know for me personally I have dealt with loss of close family members and new transitions, professionally going through a third-year review of my tenure track process, and mentally going through a roller coaster of emotions. You name the emotion and I guarantee I experienced it!! I got to a point where I learned to be selfish with my time and not see that as a bad thing…I learned to step back…I learned to celebrate all wins no matter how big or small!!
I began to give myself grace and latitude…A lot of this was due to self-reflection and support from family and friends. When it is all said and done, each day is an opportunity to start anew and begin fresh.
So today’s #BlackJoy moment is about sharing some motivational vitamins!! Keeping it simple, cheerful, and affirming.
Image Credit: @wholeheartedschoolcounseling
Credit Image: @QuotesByChristie
Credit Image: @WetheUrban
Hopefully one or all of the above messages resonates with you, in some sort of way, and you can take the necessary steps to do what is needed to fill your cup with joy!!
We are back for another week!! And as we continue to celebrate Black Music Appreciation Month, today’s #BlackJoy curated playlist is an ode to Hip Hop!!
This year marks the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, a musical genre that has become a global and cultural phenomenon. Hip Hop as anart form has touched every corner of our world and evolved into one of the most significant cultural forces today. In addition to being a form of entertainment, hip hop has played (and continues to do so) a role in being a voice for marginalized youth to speak about their frustrations, need for change, and times of joy!! As noted by communications/hip-hop scholar professor Aisha Durham, “some of the most innovative hip hop formations that you see today still come from those communities that may feel alienated, disaffected, or in some ways vulnerable — economically, socially, or politically.” Through it all hip hop has changed the game of life!!
In the great words of the late Notorious B.I.G., “you never thought that hip-hop would take it this far.”
See this week’s #BlackJoy playlist below:
As an extra bonus, check out the recent NPR Music #TinyDesk with Charlie Wilson!!
One last nugget check out this upcoming event “Hip Hop 50 Live” set to take place in the Bronx, NY!!
Don’t forget if there’s a track or two that you think should make the list, make sure to drop it in the comments section!!
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” -Audre Lorde
The above words from Lorde are true gospel!! In this day and age, Joy and Peace are hot commodities. With so much happening in the world ranging from school shootings to angry Karens to navigating post-pandemic life to systemic racism and trauma finding joy and peace is imperative. As a Black woman, I am constantly figuring out ways to stay grounded and sane. Everyday that I wake up I count it as a blessing and ask myself what’s on today’s agenda for obtaining joy and peace. Now let me also say, there are moments when my emotions are all over the map and that’s ok, but through it all I still find a way to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Today’s #BlackJoy moment is about radical self-care and protecting your peace!! In my almost 42 years on this earth, I have come to learn that it is perfectly fine to give myself permission to sleep in, take a nap, enjoy a long hot bath with five pounds of Lavender Epsom salts, and unplug from technology and social media.
Protect and Cultivate!! Be at peace with the choices you make, because you always have the final say when it comes to your mental and physical well-being. And just in case you need a little reminder see the image below:
As you marinate on the above thoughts check out this powerful message from Nina Simone on “That Blackness!”
And when we put it all together here are some tools to help cultivate Black joy and protect your peace:
Breathing and Meditation: Breathing is a natural process that we do every single day, without paying much attention to it. However, breathing is also a powerful tool to calm the mind and body and enhance your well-being. Intentional (or mindful) breathing is a great technique that you can practice anywhere, works for all ages or fitness levels, and an extra bonus no fancy or expensive equipment is required.
Journaling: Putting down your thoughts whether digitally or pen and paper is a great way to release. It can reduce stress, encourage space to release negative thoughts, figure out your next step, and create paths of self-discovery. If you are looking for some great journal prompts or books to get you started in your journey, check these out: Diary of a Journal Planner, Tabitha Brown’s Seen Loved and Heard, and Black and Resilient .
Yoga:
Community Self-Care: Individual self-care is great, but it’s nothing like having a community of people who can serve as accountability partners or physical reminders to make sure you cultivate and protect. Nothing like getting a motivational text, an inspiring phone call, or an in-person visit from someone who cares about you.
Creativity as a wellness practice: Celebrate the arts. This can mean taking yourself to a movie, play, museum exhibition, or concert. Tap into your inner Basquiat and gather some friends and do a paint and sip. Or if you really want to get physical take an African Dance class!
Therapy: For years there was a stigma that Black don’t do therapy, just pray about it, grow a thicker skin, you should be grateful many people have less, or that we should just get over it…But I must say these thoughts are becoming less of the norm. Therapy is the IN Thing!! Seeing a therapist for Black folks plays an important role in coping with and healing from racial stress, trauma, and PTSD; and how to manage common mental health concerns such as depression, grief, anxiety, ADHD, relationship issues, stress, and so much more. Looking for a therapists near you, check these out: Black Therapists Rock , Black Therapist List , and Ayana Therapy .
Wednesdays will be dedicated to “Joyful Black Spaces” and will be highlighted by guest blogger Lauren N. Jackson. Lauren serves as the Director of First and Second Year Experiences at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and is the founder of three initiatives to support Black women and girls; “Black Girls Study,” “Leadership Development for Women of Color,” and the “LeadHERs Mentoring Program.” Lauren is also currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Justice from VCU.
What are Black spaces? 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 allows 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 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, also known as, HBCUs. In 1838, the first HBCU, Cheyney University was established. At a time where Black education was limited at predominantly white institutions and when racial segregation and discrimination were prevalent in American society, Cheyney, like other HBCUs were founded to address this inequality and provide educational opportunities for Black students.
Since then, HBCUs have played a vital role in shaping the educational landscape for African Americans in the United States. They continue to produce scholars who make significant contributions around the world in various fields like STEM, literature, politics, sports, and arts. Prominent figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Morehouse College), Booker T. Washington (Hampton University), Thurgood Marshall (Howard University), Toni Morrison (Howard University), Oprah Winfrey (Tennessee State University), Terrance J (NC A&T), and Kamala Harris (Howard University) are among the distinguished graduates of HBCUs. HBCUs serve as beacons of hope where students feel a sense of pride, identity, belonging, community, and most importantly, JOY!
For all my RVA peeps a special shout-out to two of our local HBCUs – Virginia State University (Etrrick/Petersburg, VA) and Virginia Union University (Richmond, VA). I would also like to shout-out the visionary of #BlackFutureFeminist and the #30DaysofBlackJoy series, Dr. Grace D. Gipson who is a proud alumna of Clark Atlanta University (Atlanta, GA)!
Want to get more insight about HBCUs through the lens of the media? Grab some friends, a few Black-owned snacks, and watch these movies, TV shows, and documentaries.
We go camping…We go biking…We like to hike and walk trails… We go scuba diving…And we go fishing!! Nature has always been a place of healing and joy for Black communities. This healing has been disrupted with incidents like the killing of jogger Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia and the racial targeting of Christian Cooper in Central Park, both of which occured in 2020. However, Black people have made distinctive contributions in the outdoors, while also finding joy. Nature is supposed to be a “great equalizer” whose services are free, universal, and accessible to all humans without discrimination.
Today’s #BlackJoy moment is all about finding Black joy in the great outdoors!! If you are looking for some inspiration or want to find some fellow nature lovers, check out these books and Black nature influencers:
Nature Swagger: Stories and Visions of Black Joy in the Outdoors~Rue Mapp
Black Faces, White Spaces: Reimagining the Relationship of African Americans to the Great Outdoors ~Carolyn Finney
Rooted in the Earth: Reclaiming the African American Environmental Heritage~Dianne D. Glave
Black Nature: Four Centuries of African American Nature Poetry~Camille T. Dungy
Undercurrents of Power : Aquatic Culture in the African diaspora ~Kevin Dawson
Before I begin, let me first apologize for what is to follow (#sorrynotsorry lol)…last night I went out with some friends and had this AMAZING shrimp basket with sweet potato fries and LORD HAVE MERCY it was sooooo good!! And the lightbulb went off…Grace your post for Monday should be all about food and drinks!! The Black culinary experience is definitely a space where we exude a great deal of Black Joy!!
There is such a rich history as it relates to the culinary world that you cannot talk about food and drink without bringing in the Black/African diaspora! So here we are!! As a budding foodie, wine lover, and restaurant experimenter, I knew one of these 30 days had to focus on the greatness of the Black culinary world. I have so many memories about my grandma’s cooking, trying fresh seafood in Australia, going to the vineyards in South Africa, my cousin Terry getting me my first drink on the Queen Mary, and being in second heaven while dining on some delicious steamed mussels and frites in Brussels.
Today’s Black Joy Moment is all about highlighting Black chefs, restaurants, mixologists, cookbooks, and anything to make your culinary senses go haywire!!
Notable Black Chefs/Bakers/Mixologists
Tiffany-Anne Parkes- Pastry Chef/Creative and owner of Pienanny and A Seat Above The Table (Instagram: @pi.naan.ee)
The great thing about #BlackJoy is that it can be expressed in a wide variety of ways!! Depending on who you are, what you do, and how you feel, Black Joy has a way of changing the game!
This is particularly the case when it comes to movies. With the new releases of Halle Bailey in The Little Mermaid and the animated Blockbuster Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse starring Miles Morales, it’s a great time to be Black in the Movies!!
Today’s Black Joy Moment is a snapshot compilation of movies that over time have embodied Black joy!!
Summer is one of my favorite times of the year!! This is so for many reasons, one my Birthday (shout out to the Leos), the weather is AMAZING, and there is ALWAYS a plethora of things to do!! And folks that know me, know I am all about a good time!! Whether its traveling to a new place, going to the beach, checking out a music festival, or hanging out with family and friends, when my peeps say LET’S I’m replying GO!!
So today’s #BlackJoy moment is sharing some upcoming events that are sure to bring you some joy and happiness!! See what’s happening in a city, state, or country near you:
Odunde Festival (June 11) [Philadelphia, PA]: The ODUNDE festival, whose concept originates from the Yoruba people of Nigeria, West Africa, celebrates the coming of another year for African Americans and Africanized people around the world. ODUNDE is also known for its authentic African marketplace featuring vendors from around the world selling merchandise from African nations, the Caribbean and Brazil.
The Black Food & Wine Experience (June 11-18) [Oakland, CA]: Founded by Chef Mimi, its mission is to provide a space where hospitality and Black excellence are cultivated, celebrated, and explored by all. Throughout the week-long event, attendees will have the opportunity to sample a range of food and beverages that span the African Diaspora, meet industry veterans as well as up-and-coming Black chefs, winemakers and spirit makers, learn about the latest trends, and network among their fellow foodies and Black professionals.
American Black Film Festival (June 14-18) [Miami Beach, FL]: The American Black Film Festival is an annual event dedicated to empowering Black talent and showcasing film and television content by and about people of African descent. It is widely considered the preeminent pipeline for Black artists in front of and behind the camera, and has significantly expanded the range of talent working in the entertainment Industry.
AfroNation (June 28-30) [Portimao, The Algarve, Portugal]: The 2023 edition of Afro Nation Portugal will bring together the best artists in Afrobeats, Amapiano, Hip Hop, RnB, Dancehall and more. Expect world-class production and iconic live performances and DJ sets over three unforgettable days.
DC Black Food & Wine (July 1) [Washington, DC]: The DC Black Food & Wine Festival will be overflowing with delicious food, wine, and vibes. From the minute you walk in, the mouth-watering aromas made your taste buds tingle with anticipation.
Essence Festival (June 29-July 3) [New Orleans, LA]: Essence Music Festival is the event that “Parties With a Purpose“. The EMF brings “star-studded” actors and actresses, major artists, empowerment workshops, shopping, food, and more to the famous City of New Orleans. Over the years, Essence Festival has been the highlight of New Orleans’ summer music scene.
CURLFEST® (July 15) [Randall’s Island Park, New York, NY]: CURLFEST®, the world’s largest natural beauty festival. This year’s theme, The Bounce Back, is a testament to resilience and commitment to creating safe spaces for our community to connect and build by way of art, music, and more. This summer, we’re bringing the best in hair and lifestyle while celebrating every expression of beauty from around the globe.
Reggae SumFest (July 16-22) [Montego Bay, Jamaica]: Reggae Sumfest is the island’s summer reggae festival held over a week with its main nights from Thursday to Saturday. Activities include an All White Blitz party, A Sound System Explosion, Beach Party and the main concerts. Among the artistes confirmed for Reggae Sumfest this year are Chronic Law and Kabaka Pyramid.
Caribana (August 3-7) [Toronto, Canada]: Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival is a three-week celebration of Caribbean music, cuisine, costumes, tradition and culture. This Caribbean tradition of parading through the street was founded in celebration of freedom and emancipation from slavery and is appropriately celebrated on what has been recognized by the Canadian government as Emancipation Day weekend.
Bill Picket Rodeo Series (August 5) [Atlanta, GA]: The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo celebrates and honor Black Cowboys and Cowgirls and their contributions to building the west. We highlight the irrefutable global appeal of Black Cowboys and Cowgirls in the West and the stories behind a sub-culture that is still strong today. BPIR also serves as a cultural event and opportunity for families to enjoy and embrace the cowboy culture, while being educated and entertained with reenactments, history highlights, and western adventure.
The Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival (August 18-19) [Norfolk, VA]: The Norfolk Waterfront Jazz Festival is the area’s longest-running outdoor jazz festival with some of the biggest names on the international smooth jazz scene. The two-day festival will be held in a beautiful summertime setting at Town Point Park along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront.
Not only am I celebrating 30 Days of Black Joy this June, but it is also Black Music Appreciation Month!!
Created by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, this month celebrates the Black/African American musical influences that comprise an essential part of our nation’s treasured cultural heritage. In a 2019 official proclamation from the White House they note,
“Throughout American history, African American music has reflected our Nation’s challenges and triumphs and has always enriched our Nation’s culture. During African American Music Appreciation Month, we pay tribute to the talented and inspiring African American artists who have given sound and voice to the full range of human emotions through the blues, jazz, gospel, rock and roll, rap, hip hop, and other genres. This month, we celebrate the countless contributions of African American singers, composers, and musicians, who have influenced and shaped every genre and style of music. They have turned universally shared emotions and experiences of suffering, joy, passion, pain, faith, injustice, and love into art that speaks to the heart and spirit of any American. African American music has the power to encourage, inspire, and affect social change. It transcends time, compelling generation after generation to sing, dance, think, and feel, and it endures in our culture, our history, our spirit, and our collective national soul.”
For me, music has multiple uses. It’s relaxing…it’s therapeutic…I’m always tuned into something to get me through my day!! In the words of President Biden, “We celebrate Black artists who have used their songs to stand up to injustice, fight for equality, and reflect a mirror on society — reminding us all of our enduring obligation to deliver the promise of America for all Americans.” In many ways this is definitely also a reflection of my thoughts!!
Myself enjoying some soul-soothing sounds at the Roots Picnic in Philly…Reppin’ A Tribe Called Quest!!
Today’s #BlackJoy moment, and for each Friday in June, I will share a curated playlist celebrating some of my favorite Black songs and artists! Check out this week’s playlist below:
What are some of your favorite songs and artists?! Feel free to share some of your favorite Black songs and artists, in the comments, and maybe one of your faves might make the list :-)!!
Black Future Feminist 