The Black Joy fam got a sweet opportunity for y’all later this month – and no you don’t have to get all dressed up and say “trick or treat” to get it.

In honor of Hoodoo Heritage Month, we’re linking up with conjuror and rootworker James Stewart aka the Conjure Cleaner and Hess Love, co-founder of the Chesapeake Conjure Society, for an event that will deepen your connection to your ancestors – and your inner magic. Tickets are free, but space is limited! Reserve your spot now for this opportunity by checking out our Eventbrite page.

To gear up for this special occasion, this week’s dose of Black joy features a healer and an artist who are honoring their heritage through the land. Don’t forget to send this newsletter to your friends and fam and get curious about the stories hidden in your own bloodline.

– Starr

Celebrate the richness of Gullah Geechee culture

The Gullah Geechee people were enslaved West Africans who labored the plantations along the southern Atlantic coastline…but you wouldn’t know that based on how their descendants be acting! Their rich heritage is full of life thanks to the multiple ways Gullah Geechee ancestors preserved their African traditions in their food, music and art. Corey Alston, a fifth-generation sweetgrass basket weaver, praises the Black women who were pivotal in keeping one of the most treasured Gullah Geechee traditions alive.

Forage in the forest of Black healing

Mama Earth got plenty of healing goodies for y’all right in your own backyard. Prepare to start your own farm-acy after tapping in to the first ever BIPOC Herbalism Conference on Oct. 21st. Sistah Yaya is one of 15 Black and Brown healers from around the globe who are using the virtual space to decolonize a whitewashed industry. Sis and I chatted about how plant medicine can heal the mind, body, soul — even mother wounds.

A helping of wisdom and joy for you

From U.S. Diplomat to travel and food influencer, Anela Malik has always wandered where her appetite for life has led her. Malik recently crossed the threshold of 160K followers on Instagram by sharing more than dining and travel tips — she’s also given her audience an up-close look inside a year marked by heartbreak and major moves. Black Joy editor Minda Honey recently sat down with Malik over breakfast in Louisville, KY, where the traveling storyteller dished up several servings of wisdom about life, joy and everything else.

Spread the Black joy by celebrating your own ancestors this weekend! See ya next week!