Every year, before we break up for the Christmas period, the team sits down and thinks about what Black Ballad should focus on in the year ahead. I then use the Christmas period to rest — but I always take a day or two to begin mapping out what that focus looks like in the real lives of black women.

While I was referencing some data and thinking about this year, I was reminded of a newsletter I wrote many years ago about black women being happy — and how choosing happiness on our own terms is revolutionary.

Because honestly, as black women, seeking our joy and putting it in front of what others expect of us is a rebellion. The world expects us to absorb everyone’s hurt and pain. It has taught us to suffer — and, of course, to do it silently.

Yet through the years, it has been beautiful to watch so many black women choose themselves. In fact, it’s been one of the main joys of the work I get to do.