Spread the Joy
Joy and political conventions aren’t typically considered synonymous. But the Democratic National Convention this past week, held at Chicago’s United Center, was abuzz with just that—an abundance of joy. And it was contagious, as each night of the convention brought together a diverse set of politicians, musicians, comedians, actors, dancers, poets, police officers, military, and ordinary citizens—young and old—in an electric atmosphere with exuberant attendees.
Music played a key role throughout the four days: DJ Cassidy set an upbeat vibe with different songs for every state during the roll call, turning what could have been a droll recounting into jubilant declarations. Attendees danced as they sang along with pop and R&B hits. They were eager, engaged, and having fun.
Presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Democratic volunteers have been dubbed “joyful warriors.” Former President Bill Clinton, speaking on how brutal the business of politics can be, told the crowd that, “We need Kamala Harris, the president of joy, to lead us.” Harris’ campaign theme of freedom has been infused with a refrain of and for joy. It wasn’t difficult to be lifted by the joy fever and ride its waves of possibility, unity, and optimism.
Both Reverend Al Sharpton and Senator Raphael Warnock referenced the Bible passage, “Joy cometh in the morning,” while Oprah implored us to “choose joy.” Harris’ teenage goddaughter ended her remarks by saying, “Let’s keep up the joy.” It’s an entreaty that can resonate with many, amid our ongoing challenges.
My experience watching the DNC made me think of a post I wrote a year and a half ago on how the essential nature of joy can bring us more than a momentary high—giving us a reason to strive for our better angels. A little joy can go a long way towards combating despair, divisiveness, and fear.
Joy as Resilience
A recent New York Times article about visual artist Derrick Adams spoke of his latest exhibit, which carries forth his ongoing theme of Black joy. The “So Much to Celebrate” exhibit portrays Black folk in everyday circumstances from his “Motion Picture Paintings” series, reflecting dignity, style, and joy.
A spirit of uplift and replenishment are core to Adams’ work. Sometimes focusing on the mundane, not just the sensational, he says, can be empowering because that is where we find joy. With his scenes depicting people on the move, in leisurely repose, holding onto one another, Adams says that appreciating the normalcy of how we move through life can alter the perceptions of Black American culture and its people.
Black joy is a soul-fired, life-connecting, life-affirming way of being. Grounded in the blues, there is an understanding that we will face pain, challenge, and struggle, yet we can overcome through sheer perseverance. Such is the bedrock of our deeply rooted resilience. In spite of the struggle, we have found instances of joy and used them to beat back the suffering and hardships. This joy can be inspirational and aspirational for all.
Our joy is a source of truth and beauty, cultivated and recaptured for the moments when life tests our resolve.
Our joy, an inner radiating smile, is a cradle of freedom to express and live fully into every moment.
Our joy, our doorway to resilience is persistent in its ability to surface the inner strength that we need to keep moving forward.
As I thought about our capacity to live into and work with joy, the words of Jon Hendricks’ Sing Joy Spring” came to mind. I share the following excerpt as a poetic offering of our innate capacity to seize the joy in all we do. In Greg’s tribute to Jon’s vocalese mastery, you can also read the full song lyrics.
Sing Joy Spring
(Music by Clifford Brown, performed by Manhattan Transfer, Lyrics by Jon Hendricks)
We sing a spring
(Sing joy spring)
A rare and most mysterious spring
(This most occult thing)
Is buried deep in the soul
(It's story never has been told)
The joy spring, the fountain of pleasure
Is deep inside you whether you're diggin' it or not
Once you're aware of this spring
You'll know that it's the greatest
Treasure you've got
And furthermore
The joy spring, the bounteous treasure
Cannot be bartered away and never
Can be sold
Nothing can take it from you
It's yours and yours alone to have
And to hold
And something more:
It never is lost to fire or theft
It's always around
When trouble is gone, the pleasure
Is left, I've always found
It's burglar-proof same as the treasure
Man lays up in heaven, worth a
Price no one can measure
that says a lot
So joy spring, this fountain of pleasure That's deep inside you, let me inform
You in all truth
Ponce de Leon sought this
When he was searchin' for the fountain of youth
I recall a story that our Jazz Leadership Project bassist Corcoran Holt shared about an experience he had playing at the Red Sea Jazz Festival in Israel. He was playing in Kenny Garrett’s band. He recalled that the ensemble was swinging, in the zone, and everything about the evening, including the outdoor setting, was transcendent. The ensemble and music were connecting with the audience in such a profound way that it brought him to tears.
It’s moments of joy, like Corcoran experienced, that when embraced and held with reverence, become a treasure trove for resilience.
