From Word In Black:
Black Joy Is Our Secret Weapon. Use It.
I recently read a powerful piece published by Word In Black titled “Black Joy Is Our Secret Weapon. Use It.” and I encourage you to take a few moments to read the full piece.
In a time when so much of our collective narrative centers struggle, resistance, and survival, this article offers something both grounding and liberating: a reminder that joy is not frivolous — it is strategic. It is protective. It is sustaining.
As the article reminds us, joy is a survival strategy, a cultural inheritance, and fuel for the fight ahead.
Joy is not disengagement. It is an intentional act of preservation and power.
For those of us doing equity- and justice-centered work, leading organizations, raising families, caretaking our elders, building movements, or simply navigating daily life — this is an important reminder and invitation.
Read the full article here:
Black Joy Is Our Secret Weapon. Use It. To laugh, to love, to create beauty even on hostile soil— this is resistance.
https://wordinblack.com/2025/09/black-joy-is-our-secret-weapon-use-it/
As I continue to reflect on this piece, I am reminded of a core belief in my People First, Purpose Always framework: sustainable impact requires culturally responsive, human-centered practices.
Practices that make room for breath.
For laughter.
For light.
For joy.
Joy is not a distraction from purpose.
It is what sustains purpose.
When we center humanity in our leadership, in our teams, and in our movements, we create space not only for resilience — but for creativity, connection, growth, healing, and renewal
I hope the article nourishes you the way it nourished me.
Peace
- Arlene Vassell, Founding Director, TooREL Institute for Social Change