“Black joy and excellence are a demonstration of community and power despite racist systems that make it harder for us to succeed,” expressed a youth in shelter at The Bridge. “It’s important for us to embrace each other, especially during this month.”
Throughout February, The Bridge took intentional steps to celebrate Black History Month. From highlighting our Black identifying staff, enabling staff to support Black owned businesses, shared learnings, celebrations and more, it was important to our community to lean into joy.
Too often, conversations around Black youth homelessness put weight on an already traumatic experience. By leaning into joy, youth felt a sense of love and liberation. When asked how they’d define Black joy, several youths in shelter shared that it is an important way to inspire and live into Black culture.
“Being part of activities rooted in our culture help me better understand myself and those around me,” shared a youth. “To me, Black joy is felt when we express our experiences and successes together.”
This feeling was present during The Bridge’s Black History kickoff event as our friend Brother Ghana led a drum circle with youth, staff, and community members.
Drumming plays an important role in celebrating Black joy. In African culture, it is a method of spiritual expression and celebration. A highlight of this experience was seeing one youth’s toddler dancing around the drum circle as she fully embraced the music with joy.
“Being at The Bridge helps me live a life of love and joy. The kids make me laugh, and I feel good about being here,” one youth shared. “These experiences have helped me grow as a person.”
Throughout the month, youth engaged in other activities to celebrate Black History Month. This included engaging in discussions about history, and watching films like Six Triple Eight, a drama on Netflix about the first all-female, all Black battalion in World War II.
At The Bridge, we know the importance of uplifting Black joy and excellence as a means of empowerment and love. Embracing community, sharing stories, and uplifting each other is key in keeping our Black youth safe, accepted, and supported.
“My friends and family spark joy for me,” shared another youth. “This time of year is important for me because it is a time to be together to let our history out!”
We invite you to continue learning about the importance of Black joy. Click here to read an article on the subject. View below for more resources on Black History Month:
- Black History Month 2025: We Proclaim It. | ASALH – The Founders of Black History Month: https://loom.ly/60Wtokc
- How the U.S. began celebrating Black History Month: https://loom.ly/gqFuOjI
- Black History Month explained: Origins, celebrations and myths | AP News: https://loom.ly/FDMytDg
