As Women’s History Month draws to a close and we brace ourselves for April flowers and pollen showers, we wanted to take time to share three ways Black women are finding JOY in the midst of it all. And by ‘all’ we mean in the midst of all the Executive Orders, the radical sweeping of our children’s curriculum, the erasure of our history, the DEI reversals, and the classified chats.
We are experiencing our nation do an abrupt about face on a multitude of initiatives, policies, and practices that helped many of us to feel seen, valued, heard, and respected. However, we are not letting this painful betrayal get us down. While our workplace culture, as well as our weekly spending may have changed drastically, we are happy to report that we have not. In celebration of Women’s History Month and Black women, let us come to a collective pause to celebrate how we are choosing JOY in the midst of it all.
Black Women are Finding Joy in Reflection
In a recent instagram post from one of our favorite Black women, we stumbled across Dr. Thema and The Homecoming podcast. In Episode 200 of her podcast, Dr. Thema discusses becoming, evolving, and being in full bloom. And if you do nothing else for yourself today, this week, or this month, please go take a listen. Or three like we did.
Dr. Thema invites you to reflect on the full manifestation of your gifts, graces, wisdom, and knowledge, and encourages you to become intimately concerned with your own water level. You cannot help but feel restored and rejuvenated after listening to her share wisdom and truths we often forget. While you listen, make sure to have a journal nearby to write down each of the questions posed in this episode. Dr. Thema reminds us, “you have gifts, you have purpose, you have possibility.” Taking time to journal and think deeply with this gem will leave you holding so much joy!
Black Women are Finding Joy in Resistance
Is it just us, or has watching the stock fall at companies who proclaimed their allegiance to white supremacy been a joy filled experience? Whether it’s watching the financial impact of our collective movement, saving a few coins by choosing to shop less, the satisfaction of being able to say “That’s what you get,” or all of the above. Witnessing the sizable impact of something that we are a part of brings us joy. We honestly did not expect this boycott to be this easy or this satisfying. And honestly, finding local, Black owned stores and shops to spend our hard earned money in has been more rewarding and empowering.
While at first it was difficult for many of us to feel that our individual demonstrations would impact the success of a collective movement, here we are. And we have to admit, we love it here.
Black Women are Finding Joy in Relationships
With any brief scroll through your social media platform of choice, you are bound to come across the pure, unapologetic JOY of Black women dancing to Boots on the Ground, by 803Fresh. Beyond the fans and fun, you will have the opportunity to behold Black women of all ages enjoying companionship and community.
Whether it is through learning the latest line dance or over a dinner with friends, Black women are finding joy together.
And if you ask us, there is no better place to find it.