Tag: #30DaysofBlackJoy

Posted in #30DaysofBlackJoy Series, Celebration, Resources

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 14 -Joyful Black Spaces: Family Reunions/Cookouts 

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Welcome back to another Wednesday edition of #JoyfulBlackSpaces with guest blogger, Lauren N. Jackson. 

What are Black spaces? Just 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 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 “Family Reunions/Cookouts.” As summer quickly approaches, Black families begin to prepare for their upcoming family reunions and cookouts. They begin sending out invitations, purchasing family reunion shirts, putting together the latest musical playlists, planning the menu, and organizing activities and games. 

Family reunions and cookouts are special times when Black families come together to celebrate their shared heritage, strengthen family bonds, and create lasting memories. These gatherings allow family members from different generations to reconnect and reminisce about the experiences and customs that have defined their family history.

During these spaces of JOY, the air is filled with enticing aromas of grilled hotdogs and hamburgers, which creates a mouthwatering ambiance. The rhythmic pulses of beloved songs drive family members of all ages to hit the dance floor (typically the grassy portions of the large family backyard) and show off their best routines, such as the electric slide, cupid shuffle, wobble, or tootsie roll. Meanwhile, the older uncles may congregate around a table engaged in a boisterous game of spades, a famous card game known for strategic gameplay and lively banter. Playing spades not only entertains but also functions as a bonding experience, strengthening camaraderie and intergenerational relationships. For others who do not know how to play Spades (like myself), we competitively engage in games like Uno, Bingo, Checkers, Sorry, and Twister; to name a few. 

While some family members are immersed in the lively atmosphere, others may seek refuge under a tree, seeking shade from the warm summer sun. Conversations and reflections take place in these shaded spaces. Relatives weave together the strands of their family history via stories, laughter, and heartfelt discussions. They reminisce about fond memories, recalling the triumphs, trials, and shared experiences that have molded their family’s journey. These spaces of JOY remind Black families how far they’ve come and the future that awaits. 

Want to try a new recipe for your upcoming cookout? Or need a playlist to start practicing your dance moves? We’ve got you covered! Check out BFF’s #BlackJoy and #BlackMusicAppreciation series playlists on Spotify, Black People’s Recipes and the Black Cookout Music Playlist 2023 created by YouTuber, Akim Deen. 

While planning your next family reunion or cookout, don’t forget to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday on Monday, June 19, 2023. Plan to engage in these and other upcoming #Juneteenth festivities the entire month of June: Celebrate Juneteenth in the Richmond Region, the Freedom Festival, and Educational Events to Celebrate Juneteenth. 

See you all tomorrow! 

Posted in #30DaysofBlackJoy Series, Celebration, Resources

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 10-Motivation Saturday!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

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!!

See You All Tomorrow!!

Posted in Celebration, Resources

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 7-“Joyful Black Spaces”…Black Spaces That Bring Me Joy!! – HBCUs

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

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!  

If you are interested in learning more about the 107 HBCUs, check out the following links: BlackPast, History of HBCUs-Thurgood Marshall College Fund , and HBCU First Timeline .

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. 

  • A Different World (1987)
  • School Daze (1988)
  • Drumline (2002) 
  • BET’s College Hill (2004)
  • Stomp the Yard (2007) 
  • The Great Debaters (2007)
  • Tell Them We Are Rising (2018)

See you all tomorrow!!

Posted in Celebration, On The Radar, Resources

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 6-Finding #BlackJoy in Nature!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Yes, Black People like nature!!

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
  • Outdoor Afro
  • GirlTrek
  • Black Girls Hike RVA
  • The Black Outdoors
  • All Mountain Brothers
  • Black Outdoor Adventures
  • Black Powder Crew
  • Outdoorsy Diva

See you outside and See you tomorrow!!

Photo by ArtHouse Studio on Pexels.com
Posted in Celebration, On the Desk..., Resources

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 5-Culinary Blackness

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

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)
  • Arley Arrington- Baker and owner of Arley Cakes (Instagram: @arley.cakes)
  • Nina Compton- Chef and owner of Compère Lapin and Bywater American Bistro in New Orleans (Instagram: @ninacompton)
  • Tanya Holland- Chef, author, and owner of Brown Sugar Kitchen (Instagram: @mstanyaholland )
  • Lazarus Lynch- Chef, author, and founder of the culinary brand Son of a Southern Chef (Instagram: @lazaruslynch)
  •  Jermey Elliott- Mixologist/Bartender and co-owner of Double D’s Bar (Instagram: @jermeygelliott)

Black Culinary Documentaries/TV Series

Featured Black Cookbooks

  • Southern Cooking, Global Flavors ~Kenny Gilbert & Nan Kavanaugh
  • Ghetto Gastro Presents… Black Power Kitchen ~Jon Gray, Pierre Serrao, and Lester Walker with Osayi Endolyn
  • Everyone’s Table: Global Recipes for Modern Health ~Gregory Gourdet with JJ Goode
  • Caribbean Vegan: Plant-Based, Egg-Free, Dairy-Free Authentic Island Cuisine for Every Occasion ~Taymer Mason
  • Vibration Cooking Or, The Travel Notes of a Geechee Girl ~Vertamae Smart-Grosvenor

Additional Information

Stay hungry and thirsty my friends!!

See You Tomorrow!!

Posted in Celebration, On the Desk...

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 4-Black Joy on The Big Screen!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

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!!

  • Nothing But a Man (1964)
  • Car Wash (1976)
  • Black Joy (1977)
  • The Wiz (1978)
  • The Color Purple (1985)
  • Coming To America (1988)
  • House Party (1990)
  • Sankofa (1993)
  • The Watermelon Woman (1996)
  • Cinderella (1997)
  • Love & Basketball (2000)
  • Dope (2015)
  • Girl’s Trip (2017)
  • Fast Color (2018)
  • Black Panther (2018)
  • The Photograph (2020)
  • The Harder They Fall (2021)

See You Tomorrow!!

Posted in Celebration, Feature Spotlight, On The Radar

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 3-Upcoming Summer Events!!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

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!!

Photo by Adrien Olichon on Pexels.com

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.
Photo by Rahul Pandit on Pexels.com

These are just a few of the MANY events that will be taking place all over the global diaspora!!

So mark your calendars…Get your flights in order!! Gather your friends and family!! And start storing up that energy!!

See You Tomorrow!!

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

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 1-Sharing Your Sunshine!

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

Why Black Joy? Why not? Who doesn’t want to share the joys of life…The things that make you smile or laugh…Or the feel-good moments!! I am super excited about these next few weeks! Over the course of the next 30 days, I will be sharing my moments of Black Joy! These moments may be personal to me, a creative expression, or some sort of acknowledgment or spotlight. Regardless of how big or small, I hope it brings some sort joy, provide some encouragement, or simply put a smile on your face!

Today’s Black Joy moment is an affirmation that I wanted to share…

As I ALWAYS say, “Sharing is Caring!” Why keep that sunshine to yourself, when you can spread it around!

See you tomorrow!!