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meet the blogger
Hi! I’m Joy, a Louisiana-born, Nigerian-American writer who’s obsessed with literature, research, and the untold histories of Africa and the Black diaspora. The Braid Blog is where I weave it all together: memory, literature, culture, and the quiet power in our everyday lives. Think of this space as part archive, part altar–always an offering.
I’d love to connect! Feel free to visit my socials below or send me an email xo.
Author: Joy Chibuzo
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Ancient Egypt isn’t just about pharaohs and pyramids. Its brilliance lived in the hands of everyday people–farmers, artisans, and inventors–whose innovations shaped the world. We don’t need royal titles or respectability politics to prove our worth. We were more than kings; we were the blueprint.
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Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, born September 4, 1981, isn’t just a performer; she’s a cultural architect. From Destiny’s Child harmonies to solo masterpieces like Lemonade and Renaissance, she’s redefined music, Black womanhood, and performance art. Today, on her 44th birthday, we celebrate a legacy still in motion—one built on power, vision, and boundless creativity.
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Black labor history didn’t begin in 1882—it began in shipyards, fields, and strikes led by Black workers long before Labor Day. From the Colored National Labor Union to Pullman porters, Black labor movements built this nation’s workforce. Today, unionizing honors their legacy and continues the fight for racial and economic justice.
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Natasha S. Alford, an acclaimed author and journalist of Puerto Rican and African American descent, explores her multiethnic identity in her memoir, “The American Negra.” Through her personal journey, she addresses the complexities of belonging and the challenges faced by Afro-Latinxs, advocating for greater recognition and acceptance of their diverse heritage.
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Ancestral grounds. Forbidden secrets. A family searching for home steps into a nightmare in Nyasha Hatendi’s Sacrilege. But what if the true curse isn’t folklore—it’s colonial erasure? Horror and history collide in this chilling tale of identity, belonging, and the price of miseducation.
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Foluso Agbaje, a British-Nigerian author, explores themes of culture, identity, and feminism in her debut novel, The Parlour Wife. Set in 1940s Lagos, the story follows Kehinde, a young woman facing societal challenges amid World War II. Through her journey, themes of resistance and the complexity of womanhood emerge, emphasizing empowerment and choice.
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This article explores the intertwined histories of Nigeria and Ghana, focusing on immigration dynamics during economic shifts. Following Nigeria’s oil boom, Ghanaians moved to Nigeria for opportunities, but subsequent economic decline led to xenophobic deportations, notably the “Ghana Must Go” expulsion. The Ghana Must Go bags now symbolize past turmoil and cultural unity.
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Ryan Coogler’s Sinners is more than a film—it’s a meditation on faith, identity, and the dangers of false allyship. Through symbolism rooted in Blues, Christianity, and Hoodoo, the story compels us to question cultural erasure and survival. This analysis unpacks its motifs and impact on the Black community.
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Kalynn Bayron, an acclaimed author known for her fantasy novels like Cinderella Is Dead, blends captivating plots with social justice themes. Her debut novel features a queer Black protagonist challenging misogynistic norms in a fairy-tale world. Bayron’s work has opened doors to Black-fantasy literature, making significant waves in contemporary feminist discourse.
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Read, Rinse, Repeat is a new book review series sharing insightful critiques of compelling reads. The first review focuses on Damilare Kuku’s debut collection, Nearly All The Men in Lagos Are Mad, which humorously explores women’s dating experiences through relatable narratives. It’s a recommended read for those seeking engaging, romantic stories.
