Tag: 30DaysofBlackJoy

Posted in #30DaysofBlackJoy Series, Celebration

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 23-Black Music Appreciation-“Global Sounds of Black Joy!!”

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

As we continue our celebration of #BlackJoy and #BlackMusic, I wanted to step away from the U.S. and bring in some #GlobalBlackJoy!

So, today’s #BlackJoy curated playlist is all about the “Global Sounds of Black Joy!” Some of these sounds include old-school dancehall, Afro-beats, and reggae!! One of the great things that I love about each of these musical genres is how they each uniquely speak to and ignite the passion of the people who perform it. Dancehall, Reggae, and Afrobeats culture has and continues to make such a major impact on the music industry so much so that we see it presented not just in music videos, but TikTok, YouTube, a Verzuz battle, festivals, and of course annual carnivals/festivals.

To get a little taste, see this week’s playlist below:

Now you know I got a #TinyDeskConcert treat for you this week too (a Tripleheader), see below:

  • Adam Blackstone
  • Ambré
  • Amaarae

And don’t forget, if you would like to listen to the previous week’s list, you can check them out here:

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

See You All Tomorrow!!

Posted in #30DaysofBlackJoy Series, Black Bookstore Adventures, Celebration, Feature Spotlight

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 22-Finding Black Joy in a Bookstore!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Today’s #BlackJoy Moment is about showcasing and highlighting the importance of Black-owned Bookstores!

During the 1960s and 1970s, many Black bookstores served as information centers for the Civil Rights and Black Power movement. Visitors would have access to a wealth of writing on Black culture, history, entertainment, and spirituality/religion. As public spaces, they also provide a space to feel free, organize thoughts collectively and individually, form communities, and support Black economics.

For me personally, Black Bookstores have become a space to work outside of my office, grab some yummy goodies and coffee, and link up with friends! Black Bookstores have also become a place to bring in authors for “Meet-N-Greet’s”, social gatherings, open-mic and game nights, and community dialogues!

Now as part of a personal mission a couple years back, I compiled a list of Black bookstores across the globe. This was done partly to provide a resource on the BFF site, to also set a personal goal of visiting as many as I could, and simply because I was just curious.

You can check out that list here !!

While on this journey of curiosity and joy, I have been able to visit a few local Black bookstores here in Richmond and the surrounding DMV, that I had to shout out!! See them below:

So make sure you check these out if you are in the area, or any on the above list!! You are bound to find a good book, meet some cool folks, find a place of peace, learn something new, and be a part of a good cause!!

We are moving and shaking through these weeks, but there is still more #BlackJoy to spread!! See you tomorrow!!

Portraits of Lorraine Hansberry (L), Maya Angelou, and Angela Davis are painted inside the Urban Reader Bookstore in Charlotte, NC
Posted in Celebration, Feature Spotlight, On the Desk...

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 2-Black Music Appreciation Month

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

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 :-)!!

See you tomorrow!!

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Celebration

Coming Soon…”30 Days of Black Joy!!”

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

What is Black Joy? Black joy is a celebratory term that has been used to acknowledge and highlight the experiences of happiness, pleasure, and contentment within the Black community. As a powerful and affirming concept, Black Joy incorporates resilience, creativity, and the strength of Black individuals and communities locally, nationally, and globally. In simple terms It’s Happiness…It’s Resistance…It’s Freedom!! Ultimately, Black joy is a counter-narrative to many existing dominant narratives of pain, oppression, and struggle that often define the representation of Black people in media and society.

Every year around this time I am led to share, promote, and celebrate the many ways in which Black Joy is personified and expressed. Over the next 30 days, there will be daily posts (via the BFF website, Instagram, and Facebook) celebrating the various forms and expressions of Black Joy. This is seen through art, music, dance, local/national/global community engagement, personal achievements, storytelling, and soooo much more!!

Now before we dive into our celebration, check out some of these articles to get your mind ready!!

So over these next few weeks and days, I hope that you are able to celebrate the wins, challenge the stereotypes, find fulfillment, and embrace joy!!

Day 1 begins on June 1st, so stay tuned each day for your daily dose of JOY!!

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com