Why choosing happiness can be a powerful act of radical resistance
In short: In a world that often devalues Black lives, finding happiness is more than a feeling. For many, joy serves as a vital tool for survival and a way to reclaim humanity, allowing individuals to shift negative narratives and transform from victims into active agents of change.
For Black communities in the US and globally, joy is often described as a form of radical resistance. Rather than wilting or surrendering when faced with trauma, choosing to thrive acts as a way to maintain one's footing. This concept of Black Joy is not about ignoring the harsh realities of injustice, violence, or discrimination, but rather about holding that pain in tension with the joy being experienced.
Scholars and activists distinguish between two essential functions of this joy: survival and development. Survival focuses on maintaining a foundation in the present day, ensuring that individuals do not succumb to the weight of their circumstances. Development, however, looks toward a progressive future. It is the ability to envision a world beyond current hardships, a drive that allows people to grow and succeed for the sake of future generations.
This perspective was historically vital; for example, enslaved Africans maintained the belief that future generations would live in freedom, despite their current lack of liberty. By maintaining this vision, they found the will to press forward against overwhelming odds. Today, movements like The Black Joy Project and Upset Homegirls emphasize that joy is an internal power that affirms one is an agent of change, rather than a mere victim of circumstance.
Ultimately, this movement is about the reclamation of Black humanity. It challenges the idea that dominance and prejudice are acceptable norms, using joy as a well-spring of power to uplift the spirit and protect the emotional well-being of the community.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Miracle Jones: The radical, revolutionary resilience of Black joy
- Also: Black Joy: Resistance, Resilience and Reclamation
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