Black Joy

by Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff (Editor), Timi Sotire (Editor)

Love, literature, friendship, music, carnival, travel, dance, work, nature, food - Black Joy can be found in so many places.


Edited by award-winning journalist Charlie Brinkhust-Cuff and up-and-coming talent Timi Sotire, join twenty-eight inspirational voices in this uplifting and empowering anthology as they come together to celebrate being Black British, sharing their experiences of joy and what it means to them.


With incredible pieces from:

Diane Abbott - Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé - Fopé Ajanaku - Athian Akec - Travis Alabanza - Haaniyah Angus - Rukiat Ashawe - Bukky Bakray - Richie Brave - Munya Chawawa - Ruby Fatimilehin - Theophina Gabriel - Lauryn Green - Ife Grillo - Isaac James - Chanté Joseph - Vanessa Kisuule - Henrie Kwushue - Tobi Kyeremateng - Mikai McDermott - Jason Okundaye - Tope Olufemi - Melz Owusu - Leigh-Anne Pinnock - Mayowa Quadri - Lavinya Stennett - Timi Sotire - Sophia Tassew

An exciting, much-needed collection of writing perfect for readers of Feminists Don't Wear Pink, Slay in Your Lane and Love in Colour.

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays, Queer, Audiobook, Race, Politics, Adult

416 pages, Hardcover

First published September 2, 2021

Reviews

[Farnz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black joy edited by Charlie brinkhurst-cuff & timi sotire: 4.5⭐️ 393 pages. Swipe for some fave quotations & the full name of each author

“Black joy is essential but difficult to define” (XI). “Black joy is a form of resistance & resilience”(XII)

This is an anthology of essays by 28 black British minds centred around black joy, especially within British society. I love essays but don’t read them nearly as much as I should. I enjoyed this collection so much. There were such range of topics, from friendship, radio, carnival, LGBTQIA… it was amazing to explore a culture that I didn’t know much about previously. Each essay reads incredibly fast, most are only a few pages long. I love the vibrant orange & beautiful illustrations of the cover.

I can relate to the concept of existential nihilism (rukiat ashawe 256): “I dont need some grandiose justification for my existence; I simply exist” (265). Embracing the Absurd is a really cool essay that stood out to me. I added life, death and robots to my Netflix watch list. I also loved “oxymorons & other lies” by faridah àbíké-íyímídé: “In a book there is no limit to who or what you can be. Fiction gives me the freedom to live an inifinite # of lives & travel to an infinite # of places” (53). There was only 1 essay’s writing style that didn’t jive with me.

“So, while in many ways our world is in flames, & despite how intensely the heat bears down on us, we must continue to do the work of finding joy, so that we may nourish ourselves to grow a bountiful future” (Owusu 78)

“I am not the main character; he is not the villain. There is no divine justice” (Ajanaku 149)

“I often hear people say you shouldn’t look for your joy in others, but I would challenge this by saying sometimes it takes another person, or several people, to wake up the joy you have inside yourself” (brave 174)

[Paul Frimpong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful expression of numerous, unique and incredibly personal ways we Black British folk can find joy in the experiences that transcend our identities by connecting us to our cultural heritages and communities.

What a refreshing read.

[Karen Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joy is subjective, and each person will recognise it differently. The end feeling may be shared, but what brings that feeling about will be different for everyone.
In this collection of essays we are granted an insight into how a varied collection of people define joy. They come from different backgrounds and experiences. They have very different insights into the world they inhabit…but to read how each of these people finds joy was really positive.
As each of those included is black, there are some less positive experiences referenced and explored. Much of what I read was so far removed from my own experiences that it’s hard to know how to react to some of what was featured. What I will take from reading this collection is an increased awareness of what someone else has experienced, some knowledge that I would not otherwise have (though I’m not sure sousa will ever be something I’d be keen to eat) and a grin a mile wide to celebrate the things that bring you joy.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance of publication.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning collection of stories - perfect for the audio format but will be amazing in print also I would think.
Find your joy……… what a wonderful way to share a story and to live life.
And there is so much life and laughter and dancing a diversity shared here in navigating some challenging issues
So many life experiences shared from so many young folk. There will be stories I. Here that will cause every reader to stop and think, perhaps about their own responses in situations, or perhaps to examine the way they as individuals respond to race and privilege.

[Shona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Joy is a beautiful anthology, reminding us of where we find joy in our lives. The writers share their experiences of of joy at first concerts, first kisses and first visits home. Joy is also found in the more permanent and lasting features of life, nature, food, and family traditions. I love the suggestions for how to find your own joy at the end of each essay. An uplifting and informative read for young people and anyone looking for fresh perspectives on life and culture today.

[Chasity R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Joy started off really strongly. I found myself highlighting and underlining so much in the beginning and I expected the entire book to maintain that momentum. But midway thru the essays lost their luster (for me) and the stories didn’t resonate as much. I absolutely appreciate the essays and connected with many but I feel if it was edited a little more strictly it had the possibility of being a 5 star book. All in all I enjoyed this book.

[Aisha (thatothernigeriangirl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really ENJOYED this book!
all the contributors draw joy from so many different things! From food, to owambe culture, to sports and music, sci-fi, finding another Black British person at work, to reading and writing, there is no shortage of places we can derive Black joy— and no one way to be Black British.
I felt highly validated reading this book and i especially love that each entry ends with “find your own Black joy”. Strongly recommend.

[Caroline Fosse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this because Leigh-Anne Pinnock recommended it on her instagram story, all I can really say is that it was beautifully written, and I believe it's such an incredibly important book, especially for black youth. It's filled with essays and ways to appreciate life, finding joy in big and small things, and in communities around you.

[Onyeka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great conclusion to Black History Month in the UK - short stories and essays by Black public figures (comedians, presenters, etc.) and writers sharing their perspectives on Black Joy. How we can reclaim it, name it, and own it. Myriad of perspectives, including a few from the LGBTQ+ community, showing there isn’t just one way to be joyful.

[Lainy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time taken to read - in and out over a month

Pages - 416

Publisher - Penguin

Source - Vine

Blurb from Goodreads

Love, literature, friendship, music, carnival, travel, dance, work, nature, food - Black Joy can be found in so many places.


Edited by award-winning journalist Charlie Brinkhust-Cuff and up-and-coming talent Timi Sotire, join twenty-eight inspirational voices in this uplifting and empowering anthology as they come together to celebrate being Black British, sharing their experiences of joy and what it means to them.


With incredible pieces from:

Diane Abbott - Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé - Fopé Ajanaku - Athian Akec - Travis Alabanza - Haaniyah Angus - Rukiat Ashawe - Bukky Bakray - Richie Brave - Munya Chawawa - Ruby Fatimilehin - Theophina Gabriel - Lauryn Green - Ife Grillo - Isaac James - Chanté Joseph - Vanessa Kisuule - Henrie Kwushue - Tobi Kyeremateng - Mikai McDermott - Jason Okundaye - Tope Olufemi - Melz Owusu - Leigh-Anne Pinnock - Mayowa Quadri - Lavinya Stennett - Timi Sotire - Sophia Tassew

An exciting, much-needed collection of writing perfect for readers of Feminists Don't Wear Pink, Slay in Your Lane and Love in Colour.


My Review

Normally when I take so long to read a book it is because I am not enjoying it, it was the opposite with this one. I really liked it however because it is real stories from people you want to take time to digest it. Each story also ends with a box telling you to do, think, try, call so you just take a bit of time going over what you read.

Lots of experiences, some uplifting, some emotive but all with joy, happiness and or personal growth. You will recognise some of the names in this book, famous people whose experiences may well shock you, the girl from a well known successful pop group being treated very different to her colleagues because of the colour of her skin. How she became stronger and learned to love herself, we learn about her heritage, growing up in love and encouragement.

Some of the stories have some challenging issues to say the least the authors have experienced in their lives and things of joy, power, happiness they share with the reader. It really makes you stop and think, so much tradition, family values and food it was so nice reading so many different life stories infused with ideas for the reader to find their own joy.

It is a different book, it touches on harder aspects of life/inequality/feelings/emotions and despite the things some of the authors have endured they still find happiness, pride and joy and share that with the reader, 4/5 for me!

[Patty Aryee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man oh man, is this a book that everyone needs to read or what!!???
(The answer, is a resounding 'yes'!! Regardless of what you've been racialised as. ESPECIALLY if you know/ have black people in your life and enjoy the benefits of their joy. Let'sbe honest, when we're joyful, we SPREAD THAT SHIT LIKE GLITTER and everyone benefitsfrom the vibes)

The chapter I was most looking forward to reading was on the importance of having a black work bestie! Especially because I didn't realise this was something missing from my life until I had been working for a solid 8 years already. It was in the little looks we'd give each other, the one word conversations we'd have in the kitchenette that would have us rolling with laughter and the UNDERSTANDING and comfort that came with having that person in your workspace.

This book did not disappoint and it's so so so important to get more works like this on the shelves. As horrendous as this world can be to anything perceived as "other"... there is also sooo much joy in our existence.
Being black is honestly freaking lit! 🤣🙌🏿

This book reminded me of that and I smiled my way through it because every other line threw up a flashback for me. The kinds that are soooo ingrained in our culture that we sometimes forget how lucky we are to be part of such a fun, loving, embracing, innovative, joyful, multi-faceted, creative, hilarious, inventive, forgiving, caring group of humans.

There definitely needs to be a sequal to this book about how much black people tease each other. It's like a staple part of our day and you're not immune to it just because you're a family member- that'll get you an extra roasting before breakfast just for breathing too hard🤣🤎🤣🤎🤣

Oh #ILoveMyPeople and I'm crazy grateful to this book for existing. It's loooong overdue and somehow, just on time!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4⭐

A pretty solid set of essays within the anthology.

Favourites from the collection were:

- Welcome to the Masquerade - Isaac James
- Black Banter - Munya Chawawa
- Oxymorons and Other Lies - Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
- Black FM - Henrie Kwushue
- Homecoming - Diane Abbott
- The Power Within - Leigh-Anne Pinnock
- Fresh Trim - Tope Olufemi
- Young Black Kings - Athian Akee
- We Didn't Need a Village - Ife Grillo
- Keys to the Kingdom - Haaniyah Angus
- What Home Tastes Like - Theophina Gabriel
- It's Like Candy - Vanessa Kisuule

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh. This is beautiful.

It's made apparent right away that Black joy is a fundamental act of resistance - an act of defiance against the ostensible prerequisite for pain before joy that faces the Black British community. The exhausting nature of that paradox is felt from the first few pages, and as a result it becomes really delightful to see the reclamation of joy as a given right; something that "doesn't have to be contingent upon anything but existence".

This is an ongoing theme. Melz Owusu reflects upon the difficulty of the Black experience in finding joy when Blackness in itself is so often associated with death; Lavinya Stennett declares that there is a choice between expressing joy as a Black person, or escaping being "mislabelled, abused or even killed". In spite of the recognition of this reality, however, there comes a cathartic series of the ways in which each author finds joy in their Blackness - and the result is some of the most affecting, hopeful, proud, joyous writing you'll ever read. I read this while also reading Taking Up Space, and it served as a really welcome tonic, as well as an equally necessary publication. Basically, you'll cry and smile at the same time so often you'll start to question all of your emotions. All of them.

It's a noticeably inclusive representation of the gender non-conforming, queer, female and plus-size Black communities which is so rarely seen that it feels genuinely groundbreaking in more ways than one. The 'find your own joy' sections are very sweet too, and make the anthology a manifesto of sorts - a promise of rejecting these ideas about Black joy, and standing in the light with total pride.

It's not perfect. It does feel slightly bloated, and naturally some essays are more memorable, and better written, than others - Travis Alabanza, Munya Chawawa, Diane Abbott, Bukky Bakray and Jason Okundaye were particular highlights - but the joy is so present in each, and the end result is the most memorable work that I've read in months.

I couldn't recommend this more.

[Kate Parr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm trying to be objective about this one and judge it as a book and not just as a book that wasn't meant for me. I am a white, middle aged woman and this book was meant for black teens and young adults. I wasn't able to identify with a lot of the messages about community and family because those have not been my experiences. If I had stopped to Google every word or name I didn't know I never would have finished (although I did watch the Electric Slide scene from The Best Man, which raised a smile!)

My main problem with the idea of a group of essays all about joy, any joy, is that it has no-where to go. Every essay is about one thing, albeit in a variety of flavours, but after a few that joy becomes meaningless. You know what's coming, so once you know what the flavour of this essay is (food, dance, cultural knowledge, film) you now know this is a medium through which to achieve joy, and there's nothing left to learn. The book doesn't tell you how to achieve that joy, only that this person did. It is a nice concept, it reminds young adults that as alone as they may feel it is possible to be their truest self, but there's no suggestions of organisations to join, other books to read, further stopping places on their journey. It was also a little frustrating to me that so many of the essays were by 'creatives' and 'influences'. There didn't feel like many people speaking from the position of having achieved something tangible that might be emulated. But it comes back again to the fact that this was not meant for me.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not sure I’m the intended audience for this book as a white, retired woman, but I am determined to be more diverse in my reading and this book suited me perfectly. I loved it! An introduction via little vignettes to many interesting writers and artists and a lot of different voices. A few I had heard of, most I hadn’t.

The book is made up of short articles about things which bring the writers joy, or of joyful experiences, or memories. Some are quite sad in a way, many are universal and all of them are joyful. The range is wide but often the topics are familiar regardless of colour or age. I liked the clever touch of each writer giving a favourite song and the playlist is on Spotify so I will be seeking it out for sure. I also looked up the Prince song on YouTube and it is as beautiful as described.

I would never understand the world of the black barber, as it is not something I will ever experience, but it was lovely to be sitting on the shoulder of Tope Olufemi to have a little peek. Diane Abbott telling us about her grandmother carrying the suitcase was delightful and I could almost picture it. Lots of beautiful memories and moments of joy.

Recommended if you’ve always wanted a view into a different life or if you just want a little joy in your life for a while.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this one up for my niece because I wanted to encourage her to read more, and Black Joy felt like a good place to start. We turned it into a little book club, just the two of us. We’d read a chapter at a time and then talk about it what it meant, what we liked, what we didn’t. I think reading like that is a great way to help new or younger readers feel more confident. It helps them build their vocabulary, understand the book properly, and connect it to real life. Especially for books like this one, where the stories are so rooted in Black British life.

One chapter talked about chicken shops, and that really stuck with her. She’s just started high school, and suddenly the chicken shop isn’t just food, it’s part of her social life. She laughed and said, “That’s literally me and my friends after school.” Seeing her relate like that reminded me why books like this matter. It gives young Black kids space to see themselves without needing to translate their lives for anyone else.

Reading Black Joy together gave us more than just something to read. It gave us space to talk about culture, identity, growing up, and how joy shows up in our everyday lives even in a box of wings and chips. It also gave her the language to describe things she already felt but hadn’t put into words yet. Watching her realise that was something I’ll always hold onto.

[Beth Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Penguin for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

I don’t read a lot of non-fiction but this one was a must-read for me. This was a collection of essays by Black British people from across disciplines and industries, and it is full of Black joy. It was beautiful.

These essays are perfect for teenagers, but great for those of any age. All of them are around 10 pages long and are spaced out with illustrations and block quotes, making them accessible to read and approachable to read one or two at a time. It took me a while to read this one as I mainly read a chunk a day, which is exactly what I’d recommend if you’re going to pick this one up!

I loved the different subjects and aspects of Black Joy that were discussed throughout this collection. There’s essays about music, radio, literature, love and romance, to barber shop culture and connecting to nature. The way the authors weave in their own subjects and things that bring them Black Joy throughout their stories is beautiful.

There was not one essay in this book that didn’t capture my attention or make me want to read on. Every one made me feel more educated and I would recommend this one to anybody.

★★★★★
5 out of 5 stars

-Beth

May your shelves forever overflow with books! ☽

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an empowering and joyful book about identity, culture, and love. This is the kind of book we need more of.

Built from a collection of essays from different people, this book covers so many topics that all link to Black Joy.

Some of the names I recognised and others I didn't, and I always love that about book written by different people. I love find new people to follow and reading about different experiences.

There are some hard hitting topics in this book, but at the start of the sections, there are trigger warnings if needed, and I really apprecaite this and others will too.

At the end of the book, all of the contributors have their own bios which was a great addition, not only did it explain more of who they are and what they do, it also helped with knowing what pronouns they use. Some thing that was done so naturally and well. There are a lot of people that identity as LGBTQ+ that contributed to this and that write about their expriences of being Black and Queer.

The bios of the illustrators were also included, but unfortunately I couldn't see the illustrations on my ebook ARC, so I guess I'll have to wait until the release to see the artwork

[Rhea Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've read in a while, it opened a window into the Black experience that can't be found in the cold facts of a history lesson. The title definitely delivered, I felt the joy while reading this, I wanted to smile with all the authors.

I loved reading about the day-to-day things like recipes, outfits, party culture, and that the authors didn't explain what certain things were that someone outside the culture might not understand like geles; I also appreciated being introduced to uncomfortable situations and casual racism that Black people face that most non-Black people are unaware of, it was definitely an insight into something I can't fully understand as a white person.

Reading this book made me want to be more joyful, more resilient in my life, and to actively find and appreciate good times in my life, I loved it.

[Niamh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a - for lack of a better word, joyful - collection of essays by writers, entertainers, designers and figures of Black British culture. Each of the essays celebrate an element of joy that the writer has found within their identities and the things they love - whether that's fashion, sport, film, the queer community, music and so much more. Essay collections, like short stories, are always going to have some essays you don't gel with and some you adore, and that was definitely the case with me - but I found wonderful writing from people who I'd like to read more from and explore. Ultimately, this is a wonderful book, full of joyful things that we should all be reading.

[TJ Hunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing I liked about this collection of essays was that it offered a diverse voice to the black experience. From queer identity, to body issues, to trying to find a sense of community. It made me think about how isolated you can feel as a double minority. Double minority is a joking term I first heard on social media but I think there is some validity to it. Meaning that within an already marginalized group, being black even further marginalizes you and how finding your community in these spaces can be like a life line

[Ciara Meehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

August book club choice: An amazing anthology of essays, so present and lighthearted. Every essay ends with a joyful affirmation.

Particularly loved that it shone a light on emerging young talent and voices.

[Gaby · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is joy? And why is Black joy so little shown? This book does not hide away from racism or negativity but shows the wide range of experiences. I found it a beautiful view of a selection of people's lives.

[Charlotte Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic collection: these essays were the perfect length for my morning coffee and they always made me smile. Favourites were Theophina Gabriel’s What Home Tastes Like, Ife Grillo’s We Didn’t Need a Village, and the final essay on dancing by Vanessa Kisuule - actively made me want to dance!

[Joana · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75!

Loved all these stories they were so so much fun and incredibly insightful and really heartwarming. I felt super connected to each essay writer, especially hearing their own voice narrate their essay.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diverse and interesting but I felt slightly awkward the whole time reading it, like it's not really for me, and I am trespassing somehow. But after failing last year at finding anything joyful and Black this really is about Black Joy in some many beautiful ways.

[E Ewia · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read. A variety of voices in particular young share their moments of joy and ways to free themselves from the definition, limitations and experiences of living in a racially classified sphere.

[Jemelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was honestly a breath of fresh air.
Every single story was different & i loved hearing each person speak on what brings them joy.
Some stories make you laugh, some make you said, some make you nod numerous times in agreement.

Thank you

[Caila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely some essays I enjoyed more than others but was such a breath of fresh air to read something so positive and loving. Also interesting to see black British culture and how some parts of the experience are universal and others intensely unique

[Genevieve Poku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every story was a joy to read ✨