I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Black Joy Project by Kleaver Cruz
Published by Mariner Books Buy on Amazon
Black Joy is everywhere. From the bustling streets of Lagos to hip-hop blasting through apartment windows in the Bronx. From the wide-open coastal desert of Namibia to the lush slopes of Jamaica’s Blue Mountains. From the thriving tradition of Candomblé in Bahia to the innovative and trendsetting styles of Soweto, and beyond, Black Joy is present in every place that Black people exist. Now—at last—is a one-of-a-kind celebration of this truth and a life-giving testament to one of the most essential forces that fuels Black life: The Black Joy Project.
International in the scale, fist-raising in the prose, and chockfull of gorgeous works by dozens of acclaimed artists, The Black Joy Project does what no other book has ever done. In words and art, it puts joy on the same track as protest and resistance … because that is how life is actually lived. Uprisings in the street, with music as accompaniment. Heartbreaking funerals followed by second line parades. Microaggressions in the office, then coming home to a warm hug and a garden of lilacs. The list goes on.
Black Joy is always held in tension with broader systemic wounds. It is a powerful, historically important salve that allows us to keep going and reimagine new ways of being. The Black Joy Project captures these dual realities to incredible, unforgettable effect.
The brainchild of educator and activist Kleaver Cruz, The Black Joy Project is an extension of a real-world initiative of the same name. It has become a source of healing and regeneration for Black people of all backgrounds and identities. Long overdue and somehow still worth the wait, The Black Joy Project is a necessary addition for any book lover, art enthusiast, or freedom fighter. And begs the question, What does Black Joy mean to you?
The Black Joy Project by Kleaver Cruz is a book that celebrates Black joy, a very important part of Black life. It brings together stories and experiences of Black people from all over the world, like the busy streets of Lagos and the lively neighborhoods of the Bronx. The book is filled with art from different artists, which makes the stories even more powerful. Cruz writes about joy as something as important as fighting for rights and standing up against unfairness, showing the full range of what it means to be Black. The book talks about the hard challenges Black people face but also shows how joy is a powerful way to heal and keep going.
The Black Joy Project is not just a book; it’s a movement that has touched the lives of Black people across various backgrounds and identities. It invites readers to explore and define what Black Joy means to them, making it essential for book lovers, art enthusiasts, and activists alike. It’s a beacon of hope and a guide to finding light in the midst of darkness.
Reviewed by: Orsayor
