black joy newsletter

Black Joy

Back when reporter Starr Dunigan was covering breaking news in Birmingham, Ala. she heard a disturbing and valid complaint from a Black woman about media coverage: "You only come when we’re dead."


In response to that concern, Starr started the Black Magic Project in February 2017. It was a series of stories highlighting Black Birminghamians who were improving and uplifting their communities. From a nonprofit teaching children and teens to fight street violence through poetry, to a pair of brothers who wouldn't let their autism define them, Starr wanted the world to see melanin-coated magic. She expanded the brand by creating a Facebook group so Black Alabamians could have a safe space to participate in discussions about their community.


After Starr joined Reckon in Fall 2020, Black Magic Project evolved into Black Joy – a nationwide exploration of Black folks cultivating liberative jubilation. This twice-a-week newsletter is a continuation of a mission to empower Black people through joy.


We’re aware of the oppressive and systemic forces trying to strip us of our humanity. But Black joy is an everlasting life force that thrives in the stories of young organizers taking back political power, in the images of queer folks demanding to be seen, in the music that soothes us after a week of enduring microaggressions and community trauma.


Sign up today and we’ll send Black joy directly to your inbox every Monday and Friday. You should also follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for your daily dose of Black Joy!