What thoughts come to mind when you think of Black Joy? What emotions do you feel? Do you try to recall moments you felt Black Joy? Or do you conclude that there is no such thing as Black Joy? I felt a roller coaster of emotions and had more questions than one can answer when I was asked to feature on Black Ivy Media “Black Joy” Open Mic.
I could honestly say that my experience in and of this world did not provide me with joy. I was filled with sadness when I thought of the Black experience whether you are Black American or of the Black Diaspora the world has not been joyous for us or to us. How can I share a piece on Black Joy when there is no Joy for Me and my people. None of my poems in “Rotten Soup” address Black Joy, so I knew that I would need to write a new poem. However, I was perplexed and stuck asking myself, “Where do I and my people find Joy?”
The new poem came to me one day while listening to Nicholas Britell’s “Agape.” The musicality of “Agape” had me smiling, crying, angry, sad, happy, and joyous to name a few emotions. The poem is centered on the idea that Black Joy is found when we are in the presence of one another. I would like to share an excerpt from the poem with you:
Black Joy
I feel joy
When I’m in the presence of my people
That entering into a room
I see you
And you see me
So we both tilt our heads back
As we acknowledge our beautiful melanin
That joy that the world sure didn’t give
But can NEVER take away
So we create pockets of joy
Promoting our Black love
Styling, profiling, and setting ALL trends
Our music ringing throughout the world
While our dances and movements
Are All copied and pasted
To the latest TikTok or Reels
I feel joy
When I’m in the presence of my people
This is just a snippet of the poem. The full poem will be in book two, however, at the end of this blog, I will give you the link to my full performance of “Black Joy” on the virtual Black Joy Open Mic hosted by Black Ivy Media. I would love to hear your feedback on my new poem “Black Joy.” Feel free to email me, DM me on social media, or shoot me a text at 516-855-7254. May you all experience joy when you are in the presence of your people.
Thank you for always supporting me. I am grateful for you and appreciate you.
Love Your Poet,
Zulmie
Get your copy of “Rotten Soup”
Performance of “Black Joy”- https://youtu.be/6S0drjYxPvE
Purchase Link- https://www.zulmie.com/project-01
Follow me on social media- @zulmiedapoet (IG, FB, Twitter, Tiktok, YouTube, & Clubhouse)
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