Black Boy Joy

Magic is used as a motif in the story to illustrate The Joys of Black Boyhood through a metaphorical perspective. Magic comes in all forms throughout the collection, including as a fantasy element (like the crystals transporting people to space or the magic doors in Big Mac’s mansion) and as a way to communicate the power of joy to uplift, heal, and bring people together. When Fort is transported to the In Between, he goes through a magic door: “Instead of revealing the other side of the parking lot, bright and sweltering in the midday sun, Fort saw cool darkness and silver stars dangling at ground level on the other side” (11). As he “step[s] into wonder” (12), he forgets his troubles and sees beyond himself. Fort is tasked with collecting joy using magic bubbles and a magic jar, which he must then redistribute to those who need it. Through magic, the importance of sharing joy is communicated. Magic can also come in the form of the ordinary, like baking with family or finding the perfect outfit. Wes feels like he is experiencing magic when he flies with Grandpa. There are also magical creatures, like the Jab and the soucouyant, and magical abilities like the Fuerza. These stories showcase the power of imagination and The Impact of Representation on Self-Esteem for Black boys in literature.

Outer space is used as a motif throughout Black Boy Joy, adding a fantasy/science fiction element to several stories and acting as a metaphor for The Joys of Black Boyhood. The collection opens with Fort meeting Gary the Griot and discovering the magic of collecting joy. He is transported to the In Between, which exists in a realm like outer space. There, Fort visits all sorts of planets and learns about all different sources of Black boy joy. Jamal and Dre’s grandfather Big Mac was always interested in space and surprises his grandsons with a secret spaceship that will be theirs to keep. Jevon compares the joy and love in his G’Ma’s eyes to the beauty of outer space: “Her eyes are a dark brown, but sometimes it’s like I can see a million, billion stars in them” (66). Here, a direct connection is made between the world that Fort now inhabits and the world in G’Ma’s eyes; both are filled with endless sources of joy.

When Keziah is transported into space, it is for him and many other children to learn that they are not alone and should not shy away from the challenges that life presents. Moving to a new place means many unknowns, but it also means that there is much to be discovered. In “Got Me a Jetpack,” Rodney is magically taken into space, where he must compete in a space race to save the galaxy and live up to his father’s name. In this instance, space is used to illustrate The Impact of Representation on Self-Esteem; Rodney comes to see his father as a hero and wants to be just like him.

Malcolm’s birthday outfit is a symbol of the connection between appearance and identity. The perfect outfit is part of The Joys of Black Boyhood and speaks to The Impact of Representation on Self-Esteem. Malcolm is about to come out as nonbinary and originally intended to wear a suit-dress hybrid of their own creation to celebrate the occasion. Instead, not certain if they are “ready to take that leap” (187), Malcolm sews themself a suit instead.

Malcolm fears not being accepted, particularly by their father. It is Big Nanny who helps Malcolm feel like they can be themselves and like those who love them will continue to do so. Malcolm ends up finding the courage to wear the outfit and comes out on their 13th birthday fully themselves and proud to be so. Being able to fully express oneself is a source of joy for people who are often told to be something different. Malcolm’s story also shares similarities with the boy who wants to look “fly” on his first day of school and the story of the boy who wears exactly what he wants to the JBS concert.