Spring Playfulness: Black Fae Day

Photograph by Aurie Singletary of Clique Creative

It’s a bit of an understatement to say that adjusting to life after the pandemic—or as I like to call it, the Great Pause—was challenging.

For some, the healing balm came in the form of a hashtag, #blackfaeday. In May 2021, I called for Black fantasy enthusiasts all over social media to don fantasy garb and celebrate themselves for a day of positivity and merriment.

Since then, Black Fae Day has been celebrated globally, online and in person, on the second Saturday of May each year.

Black Fae Day is all about connecting through playful experiences—and as it turns out, playing is good for you! I recently spoke about this subject with Dr. Niah W. Dickson Singletary, a.k.a. Phoenix Luxe. A self-proclaimed TheraFairy who cosplays, she has written on the mental and psychological benefits of creativity and play for Black adults. She shared her unique perspective as a fantasy nerd and mental health therapist.

“Organizations and holidays like Black Fae Day,” Luxe told me, “teach the world what Black people have always known: Radical joy and play are healing. Fantasy is limitless and allows for expression that doesn’t focus on revisiting trauma of our everyday lives.”

When I asked her what advice she’d give people who feel alienated and without community—and who want to experience more joy through play—she responded, “For every interest, there are people ready to welcome you … people that can show you all the ways joy is real … Sometimes it starts with something as simple as frolicking in a park among kin.”

And that we do. Black Fae Day is an intergenerational affair that inspires lasting smiles to heal weary hearts. Whole families participate, from grandparents to the youngest infant. Children cavort in miniature wings, capes, and face paint. Their parents wear festive costumes as well. Humble gatherings in homes and parks are the most magical and popular ways to celebrate, but if you’re ambitious like me, you might quite literally have a ball.

Since the inaugural jubilee, I’ve had the pleasure of hosting two Fairytale Galas and a global Faemily Reunion. People from all backgrounds and walks of life have collaborated to make each celebration more jovial than the last. Connections as deep and rich as mycelium forests have been created through the power of kindness and imagination. And yes: I too credit the unstoppable power of the playfulness in all of us. It’s an intimate and ancient feeling that can be experienced only by inviting others in.

This spring, I encourage every reader to slay feelings of bashfulness and invite someone new into your play circle. The overture can be as simple as sharing a welcoming smile or sending out an invitation for second breakfast. Remember that your playfulness is liberating—not only for yourself but for the people around you. Joy is the bridge that connects all hearts and minds.

When you’re ready to roll down hills and Swag Surf in castles, I’ll be waiting. To see what’s happening in your neck of the woods or to participate in this Black Fae Day, please follow the official Instagram @blackfaedayofficial for updates. Like last year’s, the next Faemily Reunion will include several event and community organizers from around the world.

Phoenix Luxe Recommends

To hear more about the incredible research mentioned here, reach out to Dr. Singletary via her Instagram handle: @blerdylove. Also, aside from Black Fae Day, Luxe loves communities like Carefree Black Girl (@carefreeblackgirlinc)

and Black Joy x Reckon (@blackjoyreckon). For further reading, she recommends Dr. Jearold Winston Holland’s Black Recreation: A Historical Perspective; Why Wakanda Matters: What Black Panther Reveals About Psychology, Identity, and Communication, edited by Dr. Sheena C. Howard; and Dr. Samuel T. Gladding’s Creative Arts in Counseling.

Jasmine La Fleur is a proud library worker and self proclaimed LiFAERian in Jacksonville, Florida. When she isn’t frolicking with local fairies she enjoys reviewing books on the Nymphs of Lore Podcast.

Follow Clique Creative on Instagram @clique_creative_atl.