Black Joy Is Resistance

When Black stories get told, the spotlight usually lands on struggle, trauma, and survival. This week on Blacktivities, Shannon and Mona Lisa (with KK joining mid-episode) center what often gets left out: Black joy. The cookout laughter. The line dancing. The group chat jokes. The deep exhale that reminds us we are still here.In “Big Facts,” Shannon traces Black joy from slavery to the Jim Crow era and beyond, showing how music, movement, community, and recreation weren’t “extras.” They were survival. Then the hosts unpack why Black joy can make people uncomfortable, the difference between happiness and joy, and how protecting your joy is part of protecting your humanity.In This EpisodeJoin the ConversationHow do you define Black joy?What are your favorite Black joy memories (funny ones included)?Drop a comment. We read them and respond, and we may feature your responses in a future bonus episode.Support the ShowIf you enjoyed this episode, follow/subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.Share this episode with a friend who needs a reminder to breathe and laugh.]Bring Blacktivities to your inbox - stay posted on what's happening with the pod... more black culture, black history, black perspectives, and black panache!Other Ways to Join in the Blacktivities:Share this episode with a friend. Word of mouth is the best tool for growth.Rate and review us on Apple Podcasts.Follow us on social media.Donate to the cause and help amplify more black voices.Hear more episodes - Blacktivities websiteAbout the HostsBlacktivities is a Black Panache original production - a podcast network with a lineup of black-hosted shows sharing black stories and tackling black issues. For more information on shows like our newest production, Fat Lies Matter, visit blackpanache.com.Continue the Conversation on Social Media:Instagram - @blacktivitiespodFollow Shannon - @justshanofficialFollow Lisa - @monalisathepoetFollow Karen - @theekkrobertsThreads - @blacktivitiespodFacebook - BlacktivitiesA Short History of Black HappinessA Paradox of Pleasure: Black Joy during “the Nadir,” 1875‒1905 | The Journal of the Gilded Age and Progressive Era | Cambridge CoreBlack Joy: Resistance, Resilience and Reclamation | National Museum of African American History and CultureWhat ‘Black Joy’ Means and How It Grew – The SASH LabCopyright 2022-2026 Black Panache, LLC