The Power of Voice in Celebrating Black Joy
As we wrap up our Black Joy series and move into Women's History month, it was fitting to talk about, the transformative power of the human voice. From the resonant hum of a spiritual, to the unfiltered honesty of poetry, to the triumphant cadence of hip-hop, the voice has been a vessel of expression, liberation, and connection for centuries. Black voices, in particular, have shaped culture worldwide, carrying messages of struggle, resistance, love, and—most importantly—joy.
It's been about a month since Kendrick Lamar’s performance at Super Bowl and I can still feel the lingering statements and symbolisms communicated. His voice, the power in tone and intention, carried the weight of history and the pulse of the present, reminding us that music is more than entertainment—it is energy, it is healing, it is legacy.
Aja Monet, a poet whose words resonate with the rhythm of lived experience, captures this truth beautifully. In her poem, Give My Regards to Brooklyn, she paints a picture of joy woven into memory, movement, and the sacredness of everyday life:
“We used to buy our kicks
in city line
roll a blunt for our fallen
soldiers, and spark
a generation in love with spray cans and naked tenement buildings graffiti the spirits of hustlas
with bubble letters
mr softee summers meant
stealin abuelas
santo offerings
for tweety bird on a popsicle stick. playin hopscotch
on the broken sidewalk eavesdropping on front stoop gossip, hair braiding
fingers dancing between strands of air.”
These words are more than nostalgia; they are a reminder that joy is a rebellion, an act of preservation.
Scientifically, vocal expression—whether through singing, chanting, or simply speaking with intention—activates the vagus nerve, regulating the nervous system and fostering feelings of joy and connection. The simple act of using our voice, especially in community, doesn’t just express joy—it amplifies it.
Let’s continue to celebrate Black Joy through Voice. Let’s honor the frequencies that have carried our stories, our language, our resilience. Whether it’s belting out a favorite song, reciting poetry, or simply speaking words of affirmation, we invite you to use your voice with purpose.
Cheers,
Team Indigo Movement
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