Cultivating Black Joy: A Vital Act of Self-Preservation
Finding time for enjoyment is a universal challenge, but sometimes for African American men, it often requires a deliberate act of resistance against societal pressures that seek to confine and limit joy. Systemic barriers, racialized expectations, and the weight of generational struggles can make the pursuit of leisure feel like an afterthought rather than a necessity. Yet, prioritizing well-being and pleasure is not just about self-care—it is an essential act of self-preservation. Joy is radical, and embracing it fully means reclaiming time, space, and the right to simply exist without expectation or burden. Whether through travel, art, music, or nature, carving out moments of happiness is a declaration of autonomy in a world that often demands otherwise.
One of the most powerful ways to cultivate Black joy is through community, spirituality, and personal expression. Black culture is rich with traditions of resilience, celebration, and creativity—whether it's the rhythmic laughter shared among friends, the soul-stirring melodies of music, or the quiet peace found in nature. Embracing these elements fosters a sense of belonging and renewal. It is in these moments of joy that healing begins, where identity is affirmed, and where the soul finds its rhythm once again. Prioritizing joy is not indulgence; it is an act of strength, a means of survival, and, most importantly, a reminder that Black men deserve to savor every ounce of life's beauty—just like the man in Savoring the Surf.
Savoring the Surf by Ocean Eversley
for the ones who understand joy as liberation
He enters the surf with quiet authority,
shoulders relaxed, eyes lifted to the horizon.
The ocean recognizes him—
not as an outsider,
but as a man who has earned his ease.
There is power in his presence—
not loud, but unmistakable.
Each stride through the waves
pushes back against a history
that too often denied him leisure.
Martha’s Vineyard gathers around him:
generations of legacy,
a chorus of cultures and kinship,
where old friendships and new alliances
rise like tide and music on a late August evening.
He is not performing,
not proving,
not carrying anything today but sunlight.
This is the reward for endurance and wise decisions—
a life that includes joy.
Let this be the image:
a Black man whole,
thriving in his skin,
centered in community and clarity,
writing his own peace
into the rhythm of the sea.
Savoring the Surf is available for purchase. Collect it now!