These days, it is easy to feel like the world is on fire: all of our bills are too high, we’re at war with Iran, the government is…Well, you know how stressful politics is right now. Our news cycle usually feels like one sad or depressing story after another. But, there is still an abundance of Black joy and Black excellence in our midst. So we’ve gathered up some of the week’s most cheerful news to help take your happy meter up a notch. Enjoy—and be sure to share this story in your favorite group chat. Every last one of us can use more joy in our lives! (Get last week’s joy here.)
Wife Life…But Better Simone I. Smith has been married to rap legend LL Cool J for 30 years and the couple share four adult children. Simone is also a successful entrepreneur and owner of multiple businesses, most notably her popular Simone I. Smith jewelry line, dedicated philanthropist and a cancer survivor. During a recent appearance on the Tamron Hall Show, Tamron gave Simone her flowers as a woman not solely defined by her relationship status but rather for her own amazing accomplishments.
Sisters Doing It for Themselves! Sisters Kristina Watson, 22, and Shaakira Mierez, 26, of Charlotte, NC are now homeowners and their townhouses sit side by side. The savvy duo leveraged creative financing to secure their real estate in the (historically Black) Logan suburb of The Queen City. It is gratifying to witness these siblings work together to build wealth through homeownership at such early ages. The average age of a first-time homebuyer has reportedly climbed past 40 so their purchase is even more impressive. Way to go, Kristina and Shaakira!
Deinfluence us, please! There’s no shortage of influencers pressuring us to spend our money on things we rarely need from the moment we turn on our phones each morning. That’s why the content of “deinfluencer” Katia Chesnok is so refreshing (and often hilarious). The social media personality motivates her followers to be more conscious of money habits which is particularly important during April, also known as Financial Literacy Month. Thanks for the tough love, Katia.
We’re Blessed to Be a Blessing Experts estimate that there are more than 100,000 homeless people in New York City. This population struggles to find safe and comfortable places to bathe and take care of other basic sanitary needs. Washington Heights, NY resident and dedicated volunteer Janice K. Bryant gives freely of her time to work at Harlem United, a nonprofit organization that offers free showers for people down on their luck. “It’s hard for me to think about how bad it must feel to not be able to take a shower,” says Bryant. “So I’m glad. I’m glad that we’re here.” Get Bryant’s full moving story here.
When Ball is Life “Pressure!” Six-year-old Christopher Bess of North Carolina is already a winner for Coach of the Year according to Ball is Life. Bess has the confidence of someone well beyond his years and actually seems to have a solid understanding of basketball. His energy and passion are inspiring to all ages. Also: Has this child been here before? Keep up the great work, Christopher!
