Black Joy at Niles North is everywhere

Jasmine Nichols, Reporter|November 2, 2022

Credited to Southern California Grantmakers

Black students at Niles North resemble Black joy every day and it goes unnoticed. Despite Black people constantly fighting in an ongoing battle against oppression and inequality, being joyful is the most courageous thing they can do. To choose happiness in a world where White supremacy constantly preys on Black expression is key to combating historical trauma. Unrestricted joy for Black people is seen as taboo, and it’s time for that to change. Black joy is an act of resistance.

Black people are told that they are “too loud” and “too aggressive”, so they’re forced to remain silent and passive. Black people are never allowed to laugh or be thrilled about something without worrying about being judged by the pervasive focus on Whiteness.

To experience and share their joy with others is extremely difficult when social media is constantly posting video footage of Black death, completely disregarding their lives and forcing people to become desensitized to that violence. During the height of the BLM movement in 2020, social media activism was prominent and it was not unlikely to scroll over a dead body on your screen. As a community, there is constant access to traumatic events online; on the news, Instagram, Facebook, and more. It’s impossible to escape, leaving many feeling hurt and scared.

To choose peace in the face of brutality is a radical act. To laugh and dance is a beautiful decision that takes immense bravery within a society that constantly tries to steal their humanity. Despite these circumstantial restrictions, Black students at Niles North have found a way to be joyful.

Senior Demetri Romero, shared news surrounding the orchestra concerts he recently had: “It’s empowering being one of the few Black students who are so connected to their music and its production, and spreading that passion to other people so they can share in my joy.” Romero has been playing violin for around eight years and has loved it since he first played. “I’m able to extend my hard work and achievements all leading up to those concert nights.”

Senior Chiku Elue, was able to finish Season One of the “House of Dragon”. “I thought I would barely have time because of how stressful college application season is, but I’m glad I got to relax every Sunday at 8:00 PM.”

Senior Ayodeji Okesola, submitted an application to his top school, Illinois State University, and is applying to his second top school on Monday, Western Illinois University. It made him feel good to hit the submit button after spending weeks stressed out about college applications.

Okesola shared that one thing that makes him joyful was that he learned to manage and save money at a young age.

“The reason that makes me joyful is that even older people have issues with money management, so I find it cool that I’m able to have that gift as a young man,” Okesola said.

Senior Aryell Hodges, recently got accepted into her #1 nursing program as a CNA.

Junior Presley Sarpong, passed her health test.

Sophomore Crystal Chine, got a job interview.

Senior Franklin Parks recently had a talk with his mom about his future, the goals that he has, and all that he wants to accomplish.

“I talked to her about how I plan on not attending college and she actually listened, giving me tips that were actually helpful and encouraging,” Parks said. “She said that as long as I work hard and stay true to myself I will achieve great things. It was nice to hear her understand my goals and not knock them down.”

Senior Leah Davis, turned 18 on October 6. “Just being alive in itself is a blessing,” she exclaimed.

Black joy can be found everywhere. It is our job as a community to recognize and celebrate it for the sake of their humanity.