Black Joy

Communities coming together to find and share Black joy with intention. That idea has grown over time. Black joy is images of q***r folks demanding to be seen.

Back in February 2017, reporter Starr Dunigan wrote a series of stories about Black folks doing positive things in their communities. From a nonprofit teaching children and teens to fight the violence of the streets through poetry, to the brothers who wouldn't let their autism define them, Starr wanted the world to see the melanin-coated magic. In fall 2020, Reckon began a weekly series highlighti

ng the liberatory power of Black Southerners experiencing joy by expressing their full selves. We know that reveling in the joy that oppressive forces in the South have always tried to strip away from us is an act of defiance and, therefore, liberation. Black joy is stories of young organizers taking back political power. It's the music that just makes us feel better after a week of enduring microaggressions and community trauma. We collect these Black joy moments and deliver them to you every week via our newsletter - sign up here: https://www.reckon.news/newsletters/black-joy/

Let's get free.

08/09/2025

We're screaming happy birthday to a true icon: Whitney Houston!🤩

The New Jersey diva stirred souls around the globe with her vocal prowess. With more than 400 awards to her name, she is the most awarded female artist of all time. Beyond the accolades, she was also a proud mother, a girl's girl and our Black fairy godmother ✨. She is also Black Joy founder 's favorite singer!

Let's celebrate her legacy together by putting your favorite Whitney Houston song in the comments!

08/05/2025

Imagine being told you’re not just having one baby… but FOUR! 👶🏾👶🏾👶🏾👶🏾

Listen to the moment Terika Volmar relayed the news to her brother, Emmanuel, that he was going to have four children. Let’s just say his reaction was hilarious!

Terika Volmar was in the room with Emmanuel’s wife, Aja Volmar, when Aja learned she had naturally conceived quadruplets. The odds of having quadruplets without the use of fertility treatments are about one in 700,000. On July 1, Ean, Evan, Alayha, and Eamon (three boys and one girl) were born happy and healthy. Black Joy founder Starr D Journalist chatted with the New Jersey couple about expanding their family of three to a family of seven. Read this heartwarming story by checking out the comments!

07/22/2025

Not gonna lie, y’all. This one hurts💔!

But we're gonna celebrate Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s life and legacy with a few of our favorite Theo Huxtable shenanigans.

Warner, a New Jersey native, entertained Black households across the nation during his time as big brother Theo on “The Cosby Show.” His fame continued even after the conclusion of the beloved Emmy-winning sitcom. Warner has starred on multiple television series, including “Sons of Anarchy,” “The Resident” and “Malcolm & Eddie.” In 2015, he became a Grammy-award winning artist. In 2023, he received a Grammy nomination for best spoken word poetry album. Last year, he launched a podcast called “Not All Hood,” which examined the multifaceted experiences of Black American life.

Warner passed away at the age of 54. May he rest in power!
✊🏾

07/16/2025

Emmy nominations are in! ✨

Many of our favorites are on the list, including Uzo Aduba for "The Residence," Ayo Edebiri for "The Bear," Tramell Tillman for his role in "Severance," Questlove and, of course, the "Abbott Elementary" crew! Who do you hope takes home the win? Comment below if you believe there are other Black performers, directors or shows that deserve their time to shine at the 🤩!

07/14/2025

Not your typical beach reads 😎

07/10/2025

We claiming ice cream as soul food 🫡🍦

07/08/2025

Turn to your neighbor and say, “Rest in power!” 🙌🏾

On Monday, legendary Mississippi Mass Choir vocalist “Mama” Mosie Burks passed away at 92. Her powerful gospel voice has stirred the holy ghost in congregations around the world. In a moving statement on Facebook, remembered Burks as “a living testimony of unwavering faith, joy, and perseverance. Her electrifying performances of 'When I Rose This Morning' to her soul-stirring presence on and off stage, she embodied the spirit of gospel music and the mission of this choir.”

Honor Burks’ legacy by commenting your favorite Mississippi Mass Choir song 🎶

07/07/2025

We running back this post from last year because we want the cookout to ~stay~ Black.

07/04/2025

James Baldwin's 1976 quote is still very much applicable in 2025 — just make that 249 years too soon...

07/02/2025

🏳️‍🌈 June is over, but Pride is forever! ✊🏾

Meet New Jersey Black Pride, a new nonprofit empowering Black q***r people in the Garden State through servitude and a little fun. The organization just got started and members are already impacting their community in multiple ways.

See the comments for the story by 📖!

06/30/2025

"It was only yesterday when we were young." — Phyllis Hyman, "Was Yesterday Such A Long Time Ago."

06/25/2025

"Given the expansiveness of Black people's experiences, the varying familial and intimate relationship arrangements, historical marginalization, oppression, and insistence for dignity -- Blackness is q***r." — Charlene Carruthers, "Toni Morrison’s Work Taught Us That Blackness Is Q***r," Out.com 🖤🏳️‍🌈

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