Invent a holiday! Explain how and why everyone should celebrate.

Because Every Day Deserves a Little Extra Joy

Let’s Invent a Holiday: A Year-Round Celebration of Black Women’s Joy

We know the holiday calendar like the back of our hands. Every year, there’s a never-ending cycle of celebrations—from the more typical Valentine’s Day to the widely celebrated Thanksgiving. But for a change, let’s imagine a holiday that celebrates Black women’s joy, resilience, and strength. Imagine a day dedicated to honoring the beauty, brilliance, and unique journeys of Black women. Let’s call it “Black Joy Day.”

Why Do We Need a New Holiday?

Sure, we love a good holiday, but traditional celebrations often miss the mark when it comes to celebrating the journey and contributions of Black women. Black Joy Day would be about highlighting and cherishing the resilience, power, and pure joy found within the lives of Black women. It’s about acknowledging the vibrant energy, laughter, and power that Black women bring into the world every day.

How to Celebrate Black Joy Day

Let’s make Black Joy Day a celebration that reflects the fullness of Black women’s lives—bold, joyful, and uplifting.

1. Self-Care Extravaganza: Start with some “me time.” Whether it’s a DIY spa day, a favorite fitness class, or just relaxing with a glass of wine, take this day to recharge. This isn’t just a “pamper yourself” day; it’s a reclaim-your-time day.

2. A Feast of Flavors: Food is a big part of culture, so why not celebrate with a feast of your favorite foods? Gather friends, family, or your chosen tribe for brunch, a potluck, or a soul-food-inspired dinner.

3. Cultural Immersion: Dive into a playlist of music by Black artists or watch films that celebrate Black stories. Check out local exhibits, murals, or art installations that showcase Black creativity. The idea is to honor and absorb Black culture in all its forms.

4. Give Back, Give Forward: Black Joy Day can be a day to lift up the community. Volunteer at a local non-profit, donate to a Black-led organization, or even mentor someone within the community.

5. Social Media Takeover: Use this day to flood your feed with positive affirmations, beautiful art, and powerful words by and about Black women. Hashtags like #CelebrateBlackJoy and #BlackJoyDay can spread this positive message far and wide.

Why Everyone Should Celebrate Black Joy Day

Black Joy Day isn’t just for Black women. This celebration is an invitation for everyone to embrace the spirit of Black joy, to uplift a community that brings light and resilience into the world. Here’s how everyone can participate:

• Learn and Grow: Use this day to read, watch, and listen to stories and experiences from Black women. It’s a reminder of the struggles and triumphs unique to Black womanhood, and it’s a great way to understand the culture, both historically and in modern times.

• Amplify Black Voices: Make a conscious effort to share work by Black authors, artists, and creators. Supporting Black women’s art and work isn’t just empowering; it’s enriching.

• Challenge Stereotypes: This day can also be a reminder to break down the stereotypes about Black women. Let’s celebrate the multifaceted identities of Black women, because their lives aren’t defined by anyone’s expectations.

• Spread Positivity: Embrace the values of kindness, joy, and unity. The ripple effect of positive vibes goes far beyond the individual; it uplifts entire communities.

How to Make Black Joy Day a Reality

Ready to make Black Joy Day more than just an idea? Here are a few ways to bring it to life:

1. Launch a Social Media Campaign: Use hashtags like #BlackJoyDay or #CelebrateBlackJoy to create awareness. Share stories, affirmations, and experiences that highlight Black joy.

2. Collaborate with Community Partners: Imagine your favorite Black-owned businesses and local organizations coming together to promote and celebrate Black Joy Day with special events, community initiatives, and more.

3. Push for Local Recognition: Gather petitions, write to local officials, and advocate for Black Joy Day to be recognized officially in your community. Change starts small but grows when we all take part.

4. Create Your Own Traditions: Traditions are what make a holiday last. Whether it’s a favorite meal, a meaningful activity, or a charity drive, create your own traditions that you can come back to year after year.

A Few Ideas to Get You Started

If you’re looking for inspiration, here are a few ways to celebrate your first Black Joy Day:

• Host a screening of your favorite Black-directed film.

• Organize a storytelling circle with friends, where each person shares a story of resilience.

• Spend time volunteering at a Black-led non-profit.

• Host a Black Joy Day brunch with soul food, music, and laughter.

• Bring the celebration online with a post, poem, or art piece that reflects the spirit of Black Joy Day.

Let’s Make Every Day a Celebration

Black Joy Day is more than a holiday; it’s a movement. It’s about carving out a space for Black women to be celebrated in every way possible. When we celebrate Black joy, we’re setting the stage for a future where every day is about honoring ourselves and our communities. So, let’s plan, celebrate, and inspire one another. Let’s make Black Joy Day a reality, today and every day.

Let’s start planning our first Black Joy Day! Share your thoughts, your excitement, and your celebration ideas with us. Let’s make every day a celebration of Black joy.