The New Black Joy

In 1974, Toni Morrison and Middleton A. Harris published their master work, “The Black Book,” a collection of images, artifacts and documents that combed the depth and breadth of what it meant to be Black in America. In the spirit of “The Black Book,” the yearlong “Black History, Continued” event series reflects on pivotal moments and transformative figures in Black culture by looking to the past, the present and the future to tell big stories.

Developed by Champions Design, The New Black Joy poster commemorates the second episode of the “Black History, Continued” series, exploring Black joy in all its forms — from the energizing power of togetherness to restorative moments of solitude, from the love shown to one another to the joy of loving who we are. How do Black joy and hope exist in proximity to Black pain? How can dance and rest, mindfulness and music and even napping invigorate souls and help face everyday adversity?

Featuring conversations and performances with Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, Pierre-Antoine Louis, Esperanza Spalding, Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff, Dr. Shamell Bell, and The Lay Out activist and organizer group, the episode was a powerful presentation that stayed with the viewer long after it ended.