Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration

So much is going on in the world, especially for black folks. So much unrest. So much violence. So much grief. Well, this book is the good for what ails you; more specifically the joy for what ails us. Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts puts her soul on the page, clearing the way for our own joy to burst forth even in the midst of all that we contend with. Her stories read like a private journal, your favorite spoken word artist at a slam competition and a transcript of a conversation with your favorite sister girlfriend. There's love, truth, beautiful language and neck-cutting all wrapped together in this beautiful book. You'll at once find yourself laughing out loud, nodding in black agreement and then wiping tears away before they wet up the pages. This book is everything we need right now. It is for sure all things "Black Joy".

How do we balance life's disappointments, challenges and struggles with the need to be happy and experience joy? Its right there for the taking! This book, through the eyes and candid testimony of the author, takes you right through that process. I laughed, cried, contemplated...but mostly made a plan for stopping to see the world through more joyful eyes from this moment forward. Exploring themes of self care, authenticity and relationships take you through a necessary journey to find what was already around you and perhaps untapped...JOY!

My heart and spirits were uplifted by this book. This world needs us and our joy, so read it, and be inspired to hold onto joy.

First of all, the cover is gorgeous! The first few lines pulled me in! The reality is Black Joy is A THANG and if you know YOU KNOW! The writer pulls you in to her experiences but yet settles on the pursuit for joy and what BLACK JOY looks like! An absolute must read!! You won’t be disappointed!!!

Love love love this! This book feels good for my soul! Every chapter I feel like I’m digging deep into me while Tracey digs deep into herself to share Black Joy with us! Such a Great Read!

This was a awesome read!!!! I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end. You will not be disappointed if you purchase it.

1st I would like to thank Tracy for her vulnerability in putting these essays into the word. I purchased this book because I wanted to experience and and understand a viewpoint that was counter to the Euro-patriarchacal system of which that I am a part. This book was clearly not written for me, a white male, but that was the point and Iappreciate the perspective. I don't know if I got from the book what I expected, but I feel that I can be more empathetic with my coworkers and friends.

Beautiful and moving….specifically tailored for black people to unapologetically hear and share their stories

I gave *Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience and Restoration* as a gift to a close friend, and it was the perfect choice! This collection is so beautifully curated, offering a deep and uplifting exploration of Black experiences, culture, and triumph. Each story is a powerful reminder of the strength, creativity, and joy that thrives even in the face of adversity. The book's themes of resilience and restoration are not only inspiring but also serve as an important celebration of Black joy that often gets overlooked in mainstream narratives. The stories are diverse and thought-provoking, each one shedding light on different aspects of life, culture, and community. What I loved most was how the book balanced heavy topics with a sense of hope and joy, highlighting the beauty of Black life and the richness of Black history. It was both an emotional and empowering read, leaving my friend feeling moved and enriched by the experience. This book is a wonderful gift for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of Black history and culture, while also celebrating the importance of joy and healing. My friend absolutely loved it, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an inspiring, uplifting read that will make a lasting impact.