Where to Find Joy This Black History Month
Discover books, leaders, and food that inspire and give meaning this Black History Month
February might be the shortest month of the year, but it certainly doesn’t mean that we can’t make the most of these twenty-eight days. From books that can keep you inspired even on your hardest days to organizations that remind you we can all make a difference, here are a few resources that can help you find joy this Black History Month.
Finding Joy Through Remembering Our History
I rarely recommend books before I finish them, but this one is an exception. Black Women Taught Us by Jenn M. Jackson, PhD, gives me good reason to break my own rules. We’re at a time when we need to be reminded that we don’t actually have to figure this out on our own. History has given us not only the path but also the blueprint for fighting for our freedom through the lives of Black women featured in this book. If you need some inspiration right now, this book is one I highly recommend keeping on your nightstand.
When you buy from Bookshop, use code: BHM26 this month to get 20% off select books.
Finding Joy Through Becoming a Trailblazer
Just as we learn from those who came before us, we can also find joy in those who paved their own path. As it’s Winter Olympics time, there’s no better time to remember French figureskater Surya Bonaly, the first Olympic figure skater to land a backflip on one blade. Bonaly performed this impressive move at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, long before it was “legal” to do so in figure skating. Even though her backflip cost her points at the Olympics, it was her defiance against the traditional norms in figure skating that opened the door to those who came after her.
You can check out her impressive moves on IG.
Finding Joy Through Eating Delicious Food
One of the many ways we can create our own paths is by challenging the assumptions others hold about our culture. Someone who is doing a fantastic job at that is Nicole Charles of Heal Me Delicious. These AIP Beef Patties remind me of the beef patties from our neighborhood Jamaican restaurant, which was a frequent stop on my way home from high school. It was the perfect after-school snack to tie me over until dinner time.
Enjoy this recipe and more from Heal Me Delicious.
Finding Joy Through Community
As much as I find joy in food, the place that brings me the most joy is through the connection I have with others. Launching The Roundtable, where we go beyond conversation and discuss how we can take collective action to reshape health outcomes for Black women and other marginalized communities, brings me immense joy. In our upcoming monthly live Roundtable discussion, we’ll be talking about the “MAHA Real Food” Super Bowl ad featuring Mike Tyson and the ways media and marketing impact healthcare experiences.
Upgrade to The Roundtable to join the live discussion (or catch the recording).
As March is National Nutrition Month, I have a question for you:
Feel free to fill out the poll, and if there are any specific topics you want us to cover next month, drop them in the comments.
May we be reminded that joy isn’t just found, but cultivated with care and community.
Until next week,
Tomesha