The Secret Power of Joy: Why ‘You Are Your Best Thing’ Says Joy Is Revolutionary

How Reclaiming Joy Can Be the Most Radical Act of All

What if joy was more than just a feeling—what if it was a weapon? In ‘You Are Your Best Thing,’ contributors argue that joy, especially for Black people, is a radical act of resistance. In a society that profits from Black pain and trauma, choosing joy is a way to reclaim agency, dignity, and hope.

The essays in this anthology are filled with moments of joy—music at a family reunion, laughter shared between friends, the quiet satisfaction of growing a garden. These moments are not distractions from the work of healing; they are the work. By centering joy, the contributors refuse to let oppression define them.

Practical strategies for cultivating joy abound: daily gratitude rituals, creative expression through art and music, and intentional celebrations of milestones big and small. The book encourages readers to seek out joy as a discipline, not just a reaction.

Ultimately, ‘You Are Your Best Thing’ teaches that joy is not only possible, but necessary. By making space for joy, we honor our ancestors, nurture our communities, and create new possibilities for the future. 2 4