As a part of Black Lives Matter NYC, 27-year-old writer and community organizer, Kleaver Cruz grappled with the weight of racial discussions, prompting him to create a platform that celebrates the happiness and resilience of black individuals. Through the #BlackJoyProject on Instagram, Cruz showcases images of black people smiling and enjoying life, demonstrating that finding joy in a society designed to marginalize is an act of resistance. The project offers a much-needed space for self-care within the activist community while fostering introspection about personal sources of happiness.
