A Year of Black Joy: 52 Black Voices Share Their Life Passions - Hardcover

by Jamia Wilson (Author), Jade Orlando (Illustrator)

Discover a full year of joy, creativity, and brilliance from Black voices around the world.

Curated by award-winning author Jamia Wilson and brought to life with vibrant, full-color illustrations by Jade Orlando, A Year of Black Joy gathers 52 contemporary Blackcreators, innovators, thinkers, and visionaries--one for every week of the year--to celebrate the passions that bring them alive.

From chess strategy to stargazing, beekeeping to baking, storytelling to science, each contributor invites readers into their world with a personal reflection rooted in joy, curiosity, and cultural pride.

This beautifully crafted anthology highlights the many dimensions of Black life, uplifting everyday creativity, achievement, and wonder. The collection spans a wide spectrum of fields--including astronomy, astrology, music, activism, culinary arts, environmental stewardship, and more--all tied to seasons, celebrations, and meaningful moments across the year. Readers will also find engaging nonfiction features, such as guides to healing plants, night-sky tours, and hands-on activities that extend each contributor's passion.

Perfect for classrooms, families, libraries, and young readers ages 6-12, this keepsake volume shines with energy, color, and inspiration. Whether read week-by-week or savored in big joyful bites, A Year of Black Joy offers an affirming, expansive, and empowering vision of Black creativity and possibility.

A celebration to return to year after year--one that invites every reader to honor what brings them joy too.

Author Biography

Jamia Wilson is a feminist, activist, writer, and speaker based in New York City. Her work has appeared in numerous outlets, including the New York Times, the Today show, CNN, Elle, BBC, Rookie, Refinery29, Glamour, Teen Vogue, and the Washington Post. She is the author of This Book Is Feminist; Young, Gifted and Black; Step into Your Power; Big Ideas for Young Thinkers; and the ABC's of AOC.
Jade Orlando was born on an army base in North Carolina and grew up in a tiny Michigan town. She received her BFA in illustration from SCAD Savannah and currently lives in Atlanta with her husband, greyhound, and four cats. She is the illustrator of Bedtime Stories: Beautiful Black Tales from the Past and co-illustrator of Hey You! Her clients include Scholastic, Carter's, Amazon, and Oopsy Daisy.