In today's world, underpinned by systemic racism, the concept of Black joy is both a spiritual and political act of resistance.

Racism, as a tool of colonialism and capitalism, aims to dehumanise and reduce lives to mere productivity, stripping away joy and rest, which are vital aspects of humanity. Thus, embracing Black joy becomes a direct defiance against these oppressive systems.

Black joy is a radical act because it reclaims the essence of humanity that systemic racism seeks to deny. It involves savouring moments of happiness, celebrating them, and sharing them within the community.

Despite the exhaustion from navigating a world filled with racial barriers, and always being hypervigilant, finding and protecting joy together helps individuals recalibrate and re-energise.

Historically, Black joy has been weaponised against the Black community through stereotypes of laziness and irresponsibility. These negative portrayals aimed to justify enslavement and continue to oppress by denying the legitimacy of Black happiness.

Social media, while a powerful tool for connection and community-building, often becomes a battleground where Black joy is attacked. However, social media also provides a platform to celebrate and share joy, creating a global community that uplifts and supports one another.

The power of Black joy lies in its ability to unite people, even in the face of adversity, and to resist the dehumanising forces of racism.

Activists like Adrienne Maree Brown emphasize the sacredness of Black joy. They highlight how expressing and protecting joy challenges systemic racism, as well as white supremacy.

By laughing at the absurdity of racism and finding strength in collective happiness, the Black community asserts its humanity and refuses to be reduced to mere tools of the system.

Black joy is not just a form of resistance but an essential part of existence.

It is about living fully and authentically, celebrating culture, and finding strength in shared experiences.

From a First Nations perspective, Dr Chelsea Watego, a Munanjahli and South Sea Islander woman with over 20 years of experience working within Indigenous health as a health worker and researcher, offers a powerful and unapologetic perspective on Black joy.

In her TedX talk, "Black joy is for Black people", Watego emphasizes that Black joy is not a performance for others but a deeply personal experience.

"I'm not here to give the black take on joy as some subset of or seasoning to the universalized normalized white experience of it."

Watego rejects the idea that Black joy needs to be explained or justified to non-Black audiences.

"Black Joy is never more present than in its resistance to White sensibilities. It does not seek white Applause."

"There is nothing more joyous for black fellas than these supposed awkward moments of white silence."

Watego suggests that true Black joy can be found in moments that challenge white comfort. "This is black joy as embodied and not performed”, and she emphasizes that Black joy is a lived experience rather than a performance for others.

Watego's perspective on Black joy is deeply intertwined with her views on sovereignty, resistance, and the rejection of colonial narratives. She advocates for a joy that is unapologetic, self-assured, and not dependent on white validation or understanding.

By embracing Black joy, the Black community defies oppression and reclaims its right to happiness and humanity.

You can watch Watego’s full TedX talk below: