The Black Joy Project: NAACP Award Finalist – A Celebration Through Essays, Photos, and Art

by Kleaver Cruz

Featuring 117 full-color photos and eight breathtaking essays on a force that fuels Black life all around the globe, this is Humans of New York meets The Black Book "A patchwork quilt of visually stunning images, captured moments of triumph, antidotes to trauma narratives and rich, ebullient emotional and verbal spice for the soul." – Michael W. Twitty, culinary and cultural historian, and author of The Cooking Gene and Koshersoul 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 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?

Genres: Nonfiction, Activism, Race, Social Justice, Art, Essays, The World

224 pages, Hardcover

Published December 19, 2023

Reviews

[Natalie Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the artwork, but the essays themselves were too superficial for me.

[Hotmess Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a phenomenal reminder that in a world hellbent on the suffering and exploitation of Black people, Black joy is radical. While a bit disjointed, this book does its job of being an education and physical affirmation of the power of Black Joy. Shoutout to the incredible art that truly brings this project to iconic levels. Cannot wait to support these artists! So happy to own this book and take on its challenge of Choosing Black Joy.

[Sahmyah F · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was powerful to read. Definitely out of my comfort zone of romance, fiction, fantasy-based texts. So worth it. To be Black and read about our joy: how we define, find, and encourage it within ourselves and our fellow Black people, is a privilege indeed. We are not defined by the trauma that the white world has imposed on us. We’re so much more, We are JOY.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, partner @cocoachapters @marinerbooks for the gifted copy

“Joy is what brings us together as black people. Being able to relate, understand, sing, dance, & take a collective breath. Allowing joy to prevail despite our circumstances.”

Black joy is everywhere. From the bustling streets of Lagos to hip-hop blasting through apartment windows in the Bronx. Black joy is present in every place that Black people exist.

The visuals in this book are so beautiful that I want to frame every page & hang them on my wall. The art reflects Black joy through children playing, people laughing, folks dancing, & celebrating. Each of the essays celebrate Blackness all over the world. Kleaver Cruz provides several historical events for context, I learned quite a lot. Place this one somewhere that others can see & browse through. Share the joy!

[Tessa]

This book isn't linear - you can pick it up and digest one small section of joy, and return to it again and again.

And the art! Beautiful luscious art. There are multiple pages I wanted to tear out and frame or just pin up around the house to reflect on art and beauty and the power of joy as resistance.

This book is a love letter. I enjoyed it very much, and I passed it on to friends to devour as well. It is a book to share, to leave out, to celebrate.


I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.

[Katharine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for the audiobook, but I imagine once I get the physical copy and can engage with the visual piece of this book, I will increase the rating. I loved the depictions of Black joy overcoming Black oppression over and over again through history. This book and its essays were beautifully woven narratives of strength, joy and perseverance in Black communities both internationally and historically. Definitely recommend!

[Adrienne N Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d say 4.5 stars!! I thoroughly enjoyed it

[Stephanie Dargusch Borders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeously crafted book. I especially loved the art.

[Benita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can't go wrong with beautiful imagery and pleasant writing about all the greatness about being black.

[Anniee Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything about this book was beautiful! The artwork was divine and the words leaped off of the pages. This book is a must-read, I can't wait to read it again!

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Black experience is multifaceted, consisting of hardship and discrimination, as well as laughter and joy. However, the Black experience is, more often than not, portrayed as a one-dimensional struggle against countless -isms, with room for little else. Kleaver Cruz, a Black, queer, Dominican American writer and educator from NYC, created the Black Joy Project, a digital and real-world affirmation that Black joy is resistance. Black Joy is present in every place that Black people exist and Cruz succeeds in shining a light on these tiny slices of joy worldwide. Featuring 117 full-color photographs and 8 essays that animates Black lives around the world and by the joy within.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the beginning questions the book asks is " What Does Black Joy Mean to You". For many Black people across the diaspora, that might be hard to answer because our collective history is full of ancestors being terrorized, killed, maimed, enslav3d and brutalized. I'm still having a hard time coming up with an answer, although I'm sure those around me will gleefully shout "Books and Coffee". And while that may be true and part of it, the question I think goes a little deeper than that. One of my favorite things about this book is how no matter what, Joy is defined differently to the individual. This book is full of wisdom and joyful and beautifully eye-catching pictures that will surley make you think and more than likely put a smile on your face. It is one that is needed in every household across the diaspora. I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from the book

"Black Joy is the possibility that one day all the trauma that sits in the body will be released and the body will learn healing like a language it has always known"

I received a copy of the book via the publisher and Cocoa chapters and tours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions.

[Orsayor · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Griffin Wold · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Cavak · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first read this book, I was left with warm-fuzzy feelings and inspiration. Ah, what a heartwarming read. Nebulous on how joy can be conceptualized at times, yet hopeful that it can be brought forth. More love in the world please.

But this is the first time in a long time where I wanted to read a book again, to really take in the artwork one more time. To try to accept and interpret what joy could be through so many voices. And it's as I did that, that I realized that the majority of the Black literature I've read this year (from many wonderful and talented artists and mediums) hadn't always touched upon the key concepts within this book: joy and community. That powerful "yes and."

And it's then that I realized how soulful this book really is.

So, yeah. I'll keep this book. I'll keep coming back to this book. I'll reflect on this book for many years to come. Because I want to keep that joy alive too. To not forget that there is more to living than sorrow. That there is more than the wrongs and divides. Thank you so much for writing and compiling, Cruz.

I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focuses on Black joy as an act of resistance, community, sustenance, and strength. Black culture and history, when they are addressed at all, are so frequently presented through crisis, victimization, and harm, and Kleaver Cruz started the Black Joy Project in 2015 as a way of reclaiming agency and control in a world that is designed to strip those away from marginalized communities.

On this Juneteenth, we can all learn from Black expressions of joy in their many iterations, and recommit to humanity, solidarity, and community. We have much to learn.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five stars on concept. Four on content. Execution may have been more enjoyable as a physical book (I listened to the audio). Yes to putting a magnifier on the glorious joy AND clearly stating the burden too. The author also did a really wonderful job with scope - the scope of all the isms.

[Lydia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook. I think I might have liked the physical book better since this effort started out as a visual project on social media. The audio alone was lackluster.

[Ron Turner · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love the idea of it but it just reads like one long motivational speech. Felt like it was padded to make a book.

[Marinel DeBerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the pics!

Love the concept!

More to come...

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part coffee table book but storytelling of black joy. Visually stunning. Written text was challenging to follow, reads like a mix of historical survey and stream on consciousness, not organized well.

[Meryn]

Not rated, non fiction

[Isha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the artwork.

DNF

[Jason Prodoehl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very inspirational. I appreciated the global perspective of the author, and the various ways people find and express joy, to combat hatred and oppression.

[LT · Rating 4 out of 5]

This inspirational and educational book helped me through some challenging weeks. I appreciated the global Black diasporic lens, citing examples of the powerful use of joy during difficult times.

[Philomena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A revealing historical summary, a stunning art book, and a radical love letter all in one! I can not recommend this beautifully life affirming text more!

[She Read That · Rating 4 out of 5]

I checked out this book from my local library because I wanted to purchase it later as a coffee table book. I wanted this book to be larger for the $$ but none the less I enjoyed looking at the images and learning about the history behind the images.