Kleaver Cruz

The Black Joy Project by Kleaver Cruz discusses the importance of joy in and among the Black community. Using a combination of narration, photos, and artworks, Cruz captures Black joy and shares the impact it has within the Black community.

There was so much about this book I loved. Early on, they discussed the impact of posting pictures of someone they love expressing joy, and I thought this is a really cool idea. It would allow for joy to be highlighted and for joy to be sought out, joy as a choice - one of their points in this book.

He discusses how joy, particularly Black joy, can coexist with the hurt and trauma, and how a community con come together to uplift and support one another, and how this joy is often seen as a form of resistance.

I loved seeing all the photos and artwork he presented as well. They really added to the experience of reading and made it that much more impactful; not just talking about joy, but showing it.… (plus d'informations)