Black Joy

Johnson includes the prominent theme of Black Joy to defy the stereotype of how Black stories often centered on traumas. This theme also proves that for a culture with so much inherited trauma, there is so much joy to be found and explored. Next, they want to defy the idea that joy is in the big moments - and want to reinforce the idea that joy - and especially Black joy - can be centered in the small or every day moments, making them magical. Finally, this theme reinforces the nature of the memoir as a tribute to their grandmother, and creates a tone of love for the book.

First, Johnson includes this theme to center the story of a Black family on joy rather than on trauma. While not ignoring the traumas in their lives - or in broader culture - this shows the resilience of...