The past has the influence to shape one’s manifestations. Learning about the powerful lineage of Black history is one of the keys to conquering a world full of insecurity. 

From sitting down on her grandmother’s lap and listening to music, to learning new shopping secrets, Sarah Tut teaches how opening your mind and seeing what’s out there can begin to shape a better future. 

Could you retell a story from your childhood that makes you happy?

S: “During those times, in our culture, it is so important for children to learn about their lineage.”

“My grandmother would sit us down and ask us about our father and grandfather and so on… After that, she would give us a test… I learned faster than my siblings and I love the fact that my grandmother praised me for that. She would say that I am smart and intelligent… I felt good about that.”

“I [now live] in Canada and when I encounter negativity, I always think about my lineage. [In] my family, we have a clan named after my great grandfather. It gives me pride that I belong to a big powerful clan in my tribe.” 

How do you find joy now as a youth?

S: “Right now, how I [primarily] find joy is to learn something new. This year … I am challenging myself to save money. I am on that journey right now learning about shopping stores when I go get groceries and what stores not to visit. I am so happy to see the progress that I am making so far. That gives me joy right now.”

Where is your happy place?

S: “One of the things that makes me happy is my bed, to be honest. That is where I can put on that relaxing music like John Kennedy who plays saxophone. I love relaxing in my bed just listening to him or listening to some podcasts.” 

“I like inspirational history. I like seeing people doing something positive. I’m on YouTube listening to someone be positive. In my bed, once a day while I’m relaxing, I listen to some motivation. The bed is my happy place — just me and [the] quiet.” 

What does Black joy mean to you?

S: “When it comes to Black joy, to me, I find that it is an act of resistance. I can take off my braids or my wig and just wear my natural hair and be me and celebrate that within me. I know back in the day, my appearance as a human being has not been validated. I’ve been associated with all the negative things.” 

“I have come to terms that this is me. Black joy is when we focus on ourselves — we focus on healing our community. When we are doing that, we are healing from all the trauma that the world has been associating with us.”

Why is it so important to focus on Black joy now?

S: “I think last year a lot of things took place, especially the death of George Floyd that shook the entire world. It created a lot of questions and ideology, but it brought some understanding. It allowed people to have their own space to talk about the things that happened.”

“Moving forward, Black joy is controlling the negativity coming to us from the news. It is our job to step back and focus on ourselves and heal from past trauma. We have to be resistant and find a way of healing and talking about positivity.”

A piece of advice for others looking for joy?

S: “I would say, try to do something new. That worked for me. When you try to do something new, you see the progress that you are making… Maybe try to read something different.”

“Try to open your mind to the rest of the world — see what is out there, that you can learn. I think we can learn anything. Learning for me is something that brings me joy … and I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone.”

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Peace Akintade

Photo: Supplied | Sarah Tut