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Incorporating discussions of Black Joy during Black History Month encourages students to celebrate the richness and diversity of Black culture. Black joy refers to the resilience, creativity, and triumphs of Black individuals and communities. It serves as a reminder that Black history is not just a narrative of pain and oppression, but also one of resilience, triumph, and joy.
 
In this "Black Joy is _____" lesson, students will explore 4 different activities and respond to 2-3 questions after each completed video or article (see slide previews):
What is Black Joy?: Students will watch a 9 minute video that unpacks what Black joy means and why it is important.
Black Joy Defined: Students will read an article where three black artists were asked to define what Black joy means to them. (5-10min read)
Black Joy is Revolutionary: Students will watch a TedX Talk explaining why "Revolution Begins With You" through spoken word. (6min video)
The Power of Black Joy: Students will watch an 11 minute video that explains the power of Black Joy in film and why representation matters.
 
At the end of the activities, students will respond to 4 reflection questions:
Why do you think we have been learning about Black Joy in class?
Why is it important that we talk about Black Joy in school?
How is Black Joy revolutionary?
How can Black Joy be seen as an act of resistance?
 
Ways to implement this lesson with your class:
As a complete whole class lesson: You can lead your class through each activity and incorporate whole class and partner discussions.
As a complete independent lesson: Just upload the slides activity into Google Classroom and let your students unpack what Black Joy means to them and the world around them.
Break it up into 4 different lessons: You can implement one activity at a time before one of your general content lessons as an independent or whole class starter activity.
 
Things to note:
These slides are NOT editable
This assignment does require access to Youtube in order to watch the videos
Total slides = 27: Including cover slide, essential questions slide, title slides for each activity, and 3 extra background slides for you to use if needed