Embodying Black Joy
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Embodying Black Joy
Celebrating Black History Month 2021
Before Black History Month 2021 comes to an end, I want to take this moment to reflect on how significant this time truly is. Although my belief is that Black History and culture should be celebrated throughout all months of the year; for now, I do believe it is important that we continue to utilize this time to acknowledge the historical feat against monumental odds that Black people have been able to achieve. It is the responsibility of the current and future generations to take what we have learned and keep the momentum going. It is also necessary for us to utilize our talents and gifts to uplift those around us.
As a natural caregiver, I nourish the people around me by creating and sustaining a community of joy and connection. Carnival Spice has allowed me to complete much of this work and I am truly grateful for that. Typically in February months I see an increase in Carnival Spice bookings due to Black History Month. Our most popular offering during this time is our family-friendly cultural presentations that highlight Black culture using dance, fitness and story telling in such a unique way.
I feel so full-filled when leading these presentations - especially when it is for our school-aged groups. Seeing kids of all ages so excited to learn and embrace the richness of Afro-Caribbean culture really motivates me to keep going. I particularly appreciate the high vibrations they exude and how engaged they are in the experience. Though all of our presentations were virtual this year, you could still feel their energy and joy through the screen.
“The most radical and revolutionary thing we can do for ourselves is to connect to joy and to allow ourselves to feel. That is how we show up positively in the world and completely dissolve ancestral trauma.”
Joy, that deep-rooted inner feeling that inspires that outward expression of happiness... but Black joy has even more depth. Black people have contributed so much to this world yet sadly the way we as a people have been treated does not reflect that. Racism, social injustice, and trauma runs rampant plus there is not enough spaces that allow for healing. Thankfully, our joy is a form of healing; and while society often condemns Black people for being "too loud", "too angry" or "too much", revelling in joy is an act of resistance too.
Engaging in Black joy sends a message to our mind and spirit that we are worthy, we are important, and we are loved. Because of this, we should make a habit of taking inspired action to bring joy into our lives.
I put together a light-hearted list for you that may help you engage in joy daily:
The Power of Affirmations
I believe the universe has the power to align us with people, things and experiences that match our vibrations. It is important for us to keep our vibrations high to increase the opportunity of positive attraction. Practicing the act of repeating and affirmations (positive statements) is a powerful way to strengthen our mindset by helping us believe in the potential of an action we desire to manifest.
I encourage you to write out an affirmation related to joy and set it as a daily alarm on your phone. When the alarm goes off repeat the statement out loud and be present in the moment and positive energy that surfaces.
Listen To Music
Music is a powerful tool that unlocks joy. From the beat, to the lyrics, to the melody of certain parts of a song - music just knows how to hit our soul. I created a playlist with a mix of feel good songs from different eras and genres - take what you'd like:
Can’t Take My Joy by Terri Lyons
My Dream by Nesbeth
Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See by Busta Rhymes
The Anthem by Todd Dehaney
Blessed by Wizkid and Damien Marley
Beat of Life by Sarz ft. Wizkid
Jerusalema by Master KG ft. Burna Boy
Skip To My Lou by Ding Dong, Serani & Biggy
Just Dance - Wacky Dip by Ding Dong feat. Voicemail
Go Crazy by Chris Brown
High Life by Machel Montano
Full of Vibes by Voice & Marge Blackman
Lose Control by Missy Elliot - ft. Fat Man Scoop
Happy by Pharell Williams
Dance Heals
Dance truly does heals and it is such a positive way to embody Black joy. Here are some of my favourite dance moves from the African Caribbean Diaspora - taken from popular genres such as afrobeat, soca, dancehall and hip - hop.
Shaku Shaku (Nigeria)
"Although the dance is credited to Olamide, the truth is that he is not the inventor of the dance. But he played the major role in the crossing over of the dance to the mainstream media. The dance originated in the streets. According to DJ Real, Shaku Shaku name is for street guys, and the dance was named after their particular style of dances when they are hanging out" - Source. The move involves crossing one arm over the other and bringing that same arm toward the ear as if you are making a phone call.
Palance (Trinidad)
In 2010, the world was introduced to the song and dance that is palance. The song, by JW and Blaze, gained popularity when it took the "Road March" title at Trinidad’s Carnival that year. It historically was played along the parade’s judging route 417 times. The move involves jumping side to side on one foot at a time while waving yuh flaggg in di air. Back then, soca song's weren't known for having dances - so palance truly broke the mold. We have even seen Beyonce and Justin Trudeau do it live on stage.
Krazy Hype (Jamaica)
This mid school dancehall move will always be one of my favourites. It was created in 2003 by choreographer Crazy Hype from the The MOB Dance Group to Elephant Man hit song of the same name. The move involves hopping from side to side but landing on your heels.
Harlem Shake (Us)
The dance was created by Harlem resident Al. B. in 1981. However, in 2001 the dance resurfaced and was renamed when it was featured in G.Dep’s music video for the song "Let's Get It". When you hear this song one can't help but get to shakin'.
Enjoy A Movie
Get your laugh on or enjoy a flick that makes your heart smile. While your at it, support Black talent! I have helped you out by compiling a list of movies that exude Black Joy.
“Soul (2020)
Critics Consensus: A film as beautiful to contemplate as it is to behold, Soul proves Pixar's power to deliver outstanding all-ages entertainment remains undimmed.
Synopsis: A music teacher who dreams of performing jazz live finally gets his chance, only he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have soul.
Soul Food (1997)
Critics Consensus: Much like the titular cuisine, Soul Food blends a series of savoury ingredients to offer warm, generous helpings of nourishment and comfort.
Synopsis: This hit domestic comedy-drama concerned the fortunes of an extended African-American family recalled through the eyes of young narrator Ahmad Hammond.”
”Love and Basketball (2000)
Critics Consensus: Confident directing and acting deliver an insightful look at young athletes.
Synopsis: A young African-American couple navigates the tricky paths of romance and athletics in this drama. Over the years, the two lead characters begin to fall for each other, but their separate paths to basketball stardom threaten to pull them apart.
Sister Act 2: Back In The Habit (1993)
Critics Consensus: Sister Act is off-key in this reprise, fatally shifting the spotlight from Whoopi Goldberg to a less compelling ensemble of pupils and trading its predecessor's sharp comedy for unconvincing sentiment.
Synopsis: In the sequel to the hit comedy Sister Act, Whoopie Goldberg reprises her role of Deloris Van Cartier, a Las Vegas Performer. It appears Deloris is needed in her nun guise as Sister Mary Clarence to help teach music to teens at a troubled school in hopes of keeping the facility from closing at the hands of Mr. Crisp (James Coburn), a callous administrator.”
