Why #BlackJoy Matters, Too ☺
Spread the love, forward to a friend!
View this email in your browser
#WednesdayWisdom
"It's important, therefore, to know who the real enemy is, and to know the function, the very serious function of racism, is distraction. It keeps you from doing your work. It keeps you explaining, over and over again, your reason for being." — Toni Morrison
Morning Musings
In the days following the protests about the recent killings of Black people, I noticed fellow Black women writers asking if it was okay to write about other topics. My answer? A resounding “YES!”
Black joy matters. Black love matters. Black birthdays, graduations, promotions, anniversaries and other celebrations matter. Why? Because joy is also a form of resistance.
In my first essay for Well + Good, I shared a few things bringing me joy despite *gestures broadly* all of this:
This Instagram thread of Black people laughing
This little girl’s giggle
Virtual family game night
As a Black woman in America, joy takes work. It takes practice. It takes strength to say, “This is not going to get the best of me or take me down.” My joy is also an act of resistance. As Lucille Clifton wrote, “…Come celebrate with me that everyday something has tried to kill me and has failed.”
My Twitter friend Angie Dyer said in this article, "Joy and gratitude work together, like chicken and waffles." Indeed they do, Angie, indeed they do.
This is why I celebrate. This is why I revel in my joy, proactively seeking it out and protecting it at all costs. I owe it to myself, my loved ones, and generations to come. Do what you have to do to find and feel joy. It’s needed now more than ever.
Love,
L'Oreal
ICYMI
I recently had the opportunity to interview everyone's favorite auntie and TikTok influencer Tabitha Brown for ZORA. But that's my business...
Virtual Happenings
June 24: Allyship 101. Women Unite explores what it means to be an ally and shares practical tips on how to be an effective ally. (Suggested donation $15)
June 27: I Climb the Ladder: Q2 Career Intensive. Watchen Nyanue presents a virtual summit to help you take control of your career. ($79)
June 27: BK Yoga Club Presents Recess. This daylong virtual wellness retreat includes yoga, sound bowl meditation, poetry and more. (Early bird, $10)
June 28: Therapy with Sista Afiya. Camesha Jones will share her incredible mental health work with Sista Afya and how she's offering therapy sessions for those in need. (Free)
Links I Love
1. Breonna Taylor's Family and Friends Remember Her Greatness. This world didn't deserve Breonna, and she should still be here. (Teen Vogue)
2. Working While Black In the Midst of Crisis & Injustice. Career coach Latesha Byrd offers words of comfort to the Black community. (Medium)
3. Leah Johnson Didn't See Herself in YA Novels, So She Wrote Her Own. I'm still at the beginning of You Should See Me in a Crown and I'm already hoping for a movie adaptation. (Electric Lit)
My Latest Obsession
I read Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng in the fall of 2017, so I don't remember everything from the book (much to Jeff's chagrin), but I am loving the TV adaptation on Hulu starring Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon.
In particular, I'm struck by how the younger actresses clearly studied the mannerisms and speech patterns of Reese and Kerry (including the signature Kerry lip quiver). We have two episodes left and I kinda don't want it to end!
Now Hiring
Digital Campaigns Manager at PL+US
Engagement Editor (Education Lab) at The Seattle Times
Talk Show Host for Chicago Public Media
Senior Editor, Race & Culture for ABC News Digital
Strategic Communications Manager, Social Impact & Philanthropy for Sesame Workshop
Coordinator of Digital Content for the National Vegetarianism Museum
Digital Editor for Pulso
Content Coordinator for Girls Write Now
Psst...did a friend forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here so you never miss an issue! Liked what you read? Be sure to follow using the buttons below.