The Stories We Carry: Remembering Indian Boarding Schools
Today, September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, in what is now known as North America. It’s a day dedicated to recognizing the trauma that residential Indian boarding schools inflicted on Native children, their self-esteem, and their communities. We observe this day to remember that these stories are not distant history, but […]
“We Do This Together”: Black Girls, Young Women, and Gender-Expansive Young People Leading Research for Change
As we honor Black History Month and move into Women’s History Month, we honor the brilliance, leadership, and scholarship of Black girls, young women, and gender-expansive young people. Throughout history, Black girls and women have been at the forefront of social movements – leading, theorizing, and demanding change. The Envisioning New Structures Fellowship continues that […]
Learning as Defiance: Honoring Black History and the Mothers Who Shaped It
Happy Black History Month! In the first weeks of this current presidency, I know I’m not alone in lamenting how different Black History Month has felt in 2025. The removal and attempted erasure of important dates and months celebrating cultural diversity has been a sinister development to learn of while halfway through February. Despite the […]
Reflections on My First Civic Engagement Event: Voting and Community Empowerment
Reflections on My First Civic Engagement Event: Voting and Community Empowerment On November 1st, I had the honor of hosting my very first civic engagement event at the Greenmount West Community Center. This gathering was focused on an issue close to my heart: voting. I’ve always believed that voting is one of the most powerful […]
Community Vibes: Engage & Vote, A Rapid Response Fund Event
As a young Black single mother, an educator, and a student pursuing my master’s degree in education in library science, I have always believed in the power of community. I know firsthand the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered. That’s why I chose to host the Community Vibes: Engage & Vote event […]
Post-Election Virtual Summit: Young Mamas Pushing Action for Change Together
When the dust settles from the 2024 elections, a new wave of energy and resolve will rise. On November 12, 2024, a transformative event will unfold: the Post-Election Virtual Summit, hosted by IMPACT (Invincible Mamas Pushing for Action and Change Together) an initiative of Justice and Joy National Collaborative. This Policy summit, a beacon of collective power and advocacy, is […]
Reimagining Mental Health Support
ENS Fellows Lead Community-Driven Change for Girls and Gender-Expansive Youth The Envisioning New Structures (ENS) Research Fellows are a collective of girls, young women, and gender-expansive young people of color (14-25 years old) across New Jersey, New York, and the DC area who are committed to advancing safety and healing in their communities. Over the […]
Gen Z Speaks: Opinions on this Election’s Candidates
Earlier this year, Justice + Joy launched the Fixing Democracy initiative to envision a just, representative, democracy that centers the lived experiences of girls, young women, and gender-expansive young people of color. We partnered with Fixing Democracy Youth Leads Addison Moore and Genisus Holland, along with HIT Strategies, and Lake Research Partners to convene focus groups virtually and in-person in […]
In Solidarity: Creative Liberation, The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health in Marginalized Youth
In 2020, amid the tumult of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic instability, and protests against systemic racism and police brutality in the United States, Justice and Joy National Collaborative orchestrated 15 virtual, regional, and Tribal “In Solidarity Conversations.” These gatherings served as a pivotal catalyst for subsequent research to uncover the profound effects of social media […]
Victim or Villain? Contradicting Responses to Human Trafficking Survivors
***Content Warning: This article is about human trafficking. Content within this article may contain descriptions of exploitation, abuse, and trauma. If you find yourself feeling activated, triggered, or overwhelmed while reading, please prioritize your well-being. Consider taking breaks, reaching out to a trusted individual for support, or accessing resources for mental health assistance (see references […]
