“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”― Thich Nhat Hanh 

As a black artist, I think black joy is essentially being vulnerable and expressive in all places. This can exist in blissful moments of happiness. This joy of blackness isn’t always tied into accomplishments or achievements, but it’s just existing and breathing in spaces where we are valued and not tolerated. Black joy is being loved beyond the mask of flaws and letting others see the true version of yourself. As people, we want to be seen and heard as everything about us MATTERS. I find joy in the little things such as being creative with my gifts and telling the stories of others and putting a smile on their faces. 

For this portrait project, I’ve chosen the color yellow throughout the photographs. Yellow expresses the tone of love, life, and creativity in the summertime.