Black Joy

We can collectively agree that 2020 was a challenging year. People were losing jobs, losing family members to COVID, and children not able to play outside. Racism was a topic over the summer; Breonna Taylor and George Floyd's deaths sparked protests and boycotts. Last year reminded me why I write—it's because I want to remind people that my history doesn't start with slavery and that African Americans aren't monolithic. To continually tell my story about my black experience. I am happy to see that Vocal is allowing us to tell our stories about the black experience. The media continually bombarded us with information about the pandemic and created a ton of anxiety. After turning off my phone, I quickly realized what mattered to me the most. Being with family. After reading the prompt, two remarkable people popped up in my head. They are my nieces Islah, age three, and her sister Nylah 3 mos. These two beauties have two fantastic aunts that love both of them very much. I'm labeled the funtie.

funtie

noun/ fun-tee/

The fun aunt. Like a mom only cooler.

[See also: beautiful. kind. amazing]

These two precious little girls bring me black joy. They remind me not to give up hope. They are my muse, and they give me the inspiration to be free. The pandemic has limited the time I spend with them, so I relied heavenly on my sister to send me photos of their personality and growth. Although they are sisters, it would be foolish of me to lump them together as one. They display different characteristics, Islah being the happy-go-lucky curious one with bursts of energy and Nylah being the calm, relaxed, and collected one who is very observant. I jokingly tell their mother that Islah is the storm and Nylah is the calm after the storm.

When Islah found out she would be a big sister, I was nervous she's been by herself for three years and now shares a space with another human. Her enthusiasm for being a big sister shows me how selfless she's becoming. When I do have the chance to visit, Islah randomly blurts out "I love Ny-Pie," a nickname that is fitting for the new little one. "I just love her so much," I ask her why she loves her sister so much, and she can't explain why. The above picture shows her admiration and excitement of being an older sister. Her curiosity makes it enjoyable to watch. If unconditional love were a picture, it would be the one above. I've chosen three pictures that describe why they bring me joy every day.

The second picture makes me smile; it displays how Nylah has a love for food. She was "milk wasted." Food does something for the soul, and that picture says it all. Her observations don't always have a smile attached. Weeks after she was born, I would see a grin here and there, but not a full smile will gum and milk in the corners of her mouth. Her fluffy cheeks and her welcoming smile warm my heart. The photo reminds me of what life would be like once this pandemic subsides. I am so excited to see the wonderful human she will become. When I'm stressed or had a long day, I look at this picture and smile. If this doesn't make you smile, then you aren't human.

This photo is Islah's personality in a nutshell. Her "hat" isn't a hat. She strategically placed a shirt on her head to resemble a hat. Her words to her mother "Mama, take a picture. I'm a painter." I admire her confidence and self-assurance. She has a broad imagination. One minute she wants to be Superman, and the next, she's crawling around being a lion. Her innocence allows her dream to open to endless possibilities. She loves to be silly, talk your ear off and recite a book that you've read to her ten times in a row. She has a thirst for knowledge and is growing up too fast. I admire her friendliness and her willingness to ask questions when she doesn't understand. She has taught me a lot about myself more than she would ever know. This photo screams sassy, smart, and tons of fun.

My black joy is seeing them happy, continually reminding them that being black is beautiful. To be graceful and still be stern and to respect everyone. My joy is helping them grow into smart young women. That's my black joy.