The Braid Blog

A literary billet-doux to the African world.

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.

Tag: blog posts

  • Detangle CROOKLYN With Me!

    Detangle CROOKLYN With Me!

    Step into Spike Lee’s Crooklyn through the eyes of a little Black girl carrying weight she never should’ve held. This reflection unbraids hyper-independence, misogynoir, and the quiet traumas we normalize in Black families—revealing how generational patterns shape our children long before we notice.

  • Hispaniola’s Hideous History

    From Taíno roots to the Haitian Revolution, Hispaniola’s story is one of survival, rebellion, and resilience. This island birthed the world’s first free Black republic, endured brutal colonial debts, and shaped the fates of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Journey through its history this Hispanic Heritage Month.

  • The First Strand

    The First Strand

    Joy, a Nigerian American born in 1999, navigates her childhood in Louisiana amidst cultural challenges and identity exploration. Emphasizing education and literature, she confronts issues of discrimination while recognizing her heritage. After an exhausting career in education, she channels her experiences into The Braid Blog, a platform celebrating Black voices and stories.