A Prescription for Black Joy

Hello beautiful community,

This month, we honor the brilliance, courage, impact, and cultural legacy of Black communities - past, present and future. We celebrate the dreamers. The builders. The educators. The freedom fighters. The everyday people whose strength has shaped history.

History is impact.

Their lives remind us that courage builds history. That knowledge creates freedom. That dreams change nations. And while we honor the strength it took to build this legacy —we must also honor the humanity behind it.

As Audre Lorde remind us,

‘“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation.’’

If I could write prescriptions the way doctors do?
I’d have a whole pad just for us.

Black History Month Prescription:

Daily dose of joy.
One happy pill.
Mandatory bedrest.
Refills: unlimited.

Because being Black in America?
That's not a sprint.
That’s a full-contact marathon.

We carry so much.

Physically — in our bodies.
Mentally — always navigating.
Spiritually — praying our way through.
Emotionally — holding everybody else together.

We are strong, yes.
But strength should not mean constant survival mode.

So this month,

No hustle.
No grind.
No prove yourself.

Just EASE.

Ease in your mornings.
Ease in your body.
Ease in your money.
Ease in your relationships.
Ease in your spirit.

Rest like you deserve to be here.
Laugh like nothing is chasing you.
Move slow on purpose.
Say no without guilt.
Drink water. Take naps. Dance in the kitchen. Protect your peace like it’s rent money.

Let joy be your rebellion.
Let softness be your resistance.
Let wellness be your birthright.

And to everyone who loves and supports Black people —
help us carry less.
Create safety.
Offer gentleness.
Make room for our rest.

Because healing is history too.

This month and every month:

Be Black.
Be well.
Be easy.

— With love, always
Adrianne