Jesus and the Work of Black Joy

Oct 16, 2016

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On a Sunday afternoon in September on 138th Street in Harlem, the streets buzz with energy as worshipers spill out of The Abyssinian Baptist Church, immersed in the sounds of celebration and community at the annual Homecoming Celebration, characterized by the essence of #BlackJoy. This festive occasion speaks to the vital importance of joy in the face of systemic oppression, acknowledging the impact of racial discrimination on mental and physical health, while emphasizing the resilience and power of collective joy to resist despair and foster flourishing within marginalized communities.

Black Joy, rooted in communal resilience, serves as a potent force against the pressures of Empire, which seek to diminish life, love, and hope among Black individuals and families. Drawing parallels between the challenges faced in the Roman Empire and modern-day America, the author highlights the pervasive threats to joy and well-being posed by systemic injustices such as poverty, police brutality, and mass incarceration. Despite these adversities, Black people have historically created spaces of joy as acts of resistance and survival, affirming life and community amidst adversity. Urging a reevaluation of the significance of joy, the author emphasizes its role in nurturing healing fellowship and resilience within Black communities, advocating for intentional efforts to cultivate and celebrate joy as essential components of resistance and collective strength.

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