“Joy is an act of resistance.” - Toi Derricotte
What is “Alegría?”
Alegría means joy in Spanish. Joy can be a profound act of resistance in a world afflicted by adversity, challenges, and injustices. It's a defiant stance against the weight of inequity and oppression. In choosing joy, we assert our right to happiness and well-being, even when circumstances seem stacked against us. This act of resistance is a reminder that even in the face of hardship, we have the power to find and cultivate moments of happiness.
This is not toxic positivity. This is not a Pollyanna view of the world.
Joy becomes a form of protest against people, systems, etc., seeking to (intentionally or unintentionally) put out our light. It is a declaration that our lives are worth celebrating, cherishing, and embracing. In this act of resistance, we not only uplift ourselves but inspire others to seek their own sources of joy, fostering a collective spirit of hope and resilience that can bring about positive change in ourselves and, therefore, in our communities.