Joy in Resistance
Performance hints: ~D~ G
core protest joy resistance 21stc defiant faith hope zipper sing-along
What the world needs now, is joy in resistance
We will fight the good fight, with or without your assistance
Move out of the way, if you can't support the mission
What the world needs now, is joy ....
(Repeat, replacing "joy" with "faith", "love", "hope", "joy")
Credits: Abena Koomson-Davis / Resistance Revival Chorus
Notes: The phrase "Joy is an act of resistance" originated with African-American poet Toi Derricotte in the 1980s. The idea has since been adopted and expanded upon by various movements, particularly within Black feminism and queer activism, to describe how pursuing joy, even in the face of oppression and violence, is a powerful way to affirm existence, build community, and sustain energy for social change. The phrase has become The Resistance Revival Chorus' unofficial motto.