Bryce Harris #34 of the Howard Bison celebrates his three-point basket against the Michigan Wolverines. / (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) 
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 feel 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 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!
The Mecca Scores Big at March Madness: Howard University (also known as “The Mecca” made history in the 2026 NCAA Tournament. The storied HBCU secured their first-ever tournament win by defeating University of Maryland at Baltimore County 86-83 in the First Four on March 17. The Bison, led by coach Kenneth Blakeney, appeared as a Number 16 seed before falling to top-seeded Michigan 101-80 in the first round. Still, we salute the players for their historic win. Blakeney said of players Bryce Howard (pictured above) and Ose Okojie, “I’m so proud of these guys and I love them so much.”
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Dancing Like Everyone’s Watching at 100: A Queens, NY woman, Norma Hyatt, just celebrated her 100th birthday by dancing to Bob Marley surrounding by friends and family. Hyatt immigrated to the United States from Kingston, Jamaica in 1955 and worked as a lab technician for 34 years. During the fete, Hyatt was presented with a Citation of Honor from Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. Hyatt shared words of wisdom about living a long life with guests including, “Love your neighbors.”
Not Your Average Tee Shirts: New Edition (who are currently on tour with Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton), recently made a few enterprising men in Philadelphia very happy. NE member Michael Bivins and a few other members of the legendary R&B group pulled up on some guys in their tour bus in Philly who were selling bootleg New Edition merch. Michael purchased a few to support their hustle. Gotta love the cooperative economics playing out in real life!
Bridal Bliss in B-More: Pantora Bridal, a sophisticated and stylish Black woman owned bridal boutique that has thriving Brooklyn, NY location, recently opened a second brick and mortar location in Baltimore, Maryland. Pantora owner Andrea Pitter said of expansion on Instagram, “For years, the DMV has shown up for this brand in a real way, building community with us even when we didn’t have a physical home here. To now plant roots here and serve this community in creative ways, means everything to me.”
Michelle “Mo” Obama x Monica “Mo” Arnold Meet Up: Iconic R&B songstress Monica was a guest this week on the IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson podcast. The sit-down between our Forever Flotus and Monica was giving big sis and lil’ sis kekeing over brunch with bottomless mimosas. The mother of three opened up on the podcast about her love life, making history with Brandy, firearms (Yes, you read right.) and aging with gratitude. We love! (You can catch Monica performing this summer at the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans.)
TOPICS: black joy black joy matters celebrating black joy
The post Celebrate Black Joy : This Week’s Best Uplifting Moments appeared first on Essence.
Author: Bridgette Bartlett
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