https://www.pbs.org/education/blog/the-boundlessness-of-black-joy-reshaping-the-narrative

South African poet Koleka Putuma recounts memories of happiness and childhood innocence in her poem Black Joy. She focuses on describing a time of peace, playfulness and family.

“Isn’t it funny? / that when they ask about black childhood / all they are interested in is our pain / as if the joy-parts were accidental,” she writes. There is a common tendency to erase positivity when discussing the black experience, particularly in Africa. This poem acts as a symbol of all the good that simply never makes the literary cut.

 

The Boundlessness of Black Joy: Reshaping the Narrative

The Black experience in America is not a monolith. Traditionally, especially during Black History Month, we hear a silhouetted story of slavery, the civil rights era/Jim Crow, and countless advocates and allies that work tirelessly in the fight for racial equity. We hear this in media, classrooms and everyday conversations. These stories of triumph have become staples in the timeline of Black History. These stories are undoubtedly important, should be taught and play a great role in the voice and history of Black America but these stories often highlight the trauma, struggle and battles that Black Americans endured, and still endure today. 

Rethinking the Narrative of Black History
Shaping a new narrative is important to me; one that can be told in classrooms alongside the history. A narrative that highlights the love, successes, power, and flourishing lives of Black Americans today. One that showcases to our emerging leaders and learners that they have boundless opportunities to make change, create, and exist. A narrative of Black innovation, Black excellence and Black joy because our world does not move without it.

Love, Joy and Excellence are Part of the Black History Experience 
I grew up in a small Southwestern Pennsylvanian town that was majority white. I was one of a handful of Black students and students of color. I remember hearing these traditional stories and what it felt like being the only Black person in the room. The eyes and turning of heads when the teacher would ask what we thought Black people would feel or whomever the main character would feel in their story. I can remember there always being some trauma tied to the story… a death, a protest  or some moral/ethical quarrel always in question. The stories were rarely about love, or joy, excellence or innovation. They were always stories that would evoke emotions in me that didn’t resonate well.

Broadening the Scope will Broaden the View 
It was by example that I could see Black boundlessness. Through icons in the media, through my family and the teachers in my life, I came to understand that the story of Black America was more than history, it was also the future.  A future in which Black scientists, caretakers, leaders, creators, artists and families make the world go round.

Highlight more Black leaders, innovators, Black joy, successes and light. I also encourage you to integrate Black stories and excellence all year long – not just in one month. Our history is beautiful, powerful and vast and I promise you it is not one solely based on pain.