We will all be processing 2020-2021 and the events that inspired The Joy of Thriving While Black for a long time.
Through book readings and author talks we can explore the book theme(s) of your choice including: purpose, activism, pride, community, safe spaces, family, resilience, self-care, rest, joy and how to coach yourself toward growth and change.
My workshop, How to Thrive While Black at Work, is a practical guide to applying the key lessons at work.
“We engaged Charisse as a speaker for our Juneteenth event whose theme was“Thriving While Unapologetically Black”. Charisse understood the assignment. Her authenticity and frankness was refreshing and she had a very welcoming presence. Charisse made a comment about happiness not necessarily when earning more and more money. That stuck with me and had me thinking, ‘After your basic needs are provided for, then what? Where do you get your happiness?’ I will definitely be exploring this more on my own. I appreciated her comments about finding space to thrive even if that means creating your own space for growth. The entire conversation helped highlight the need for more spaces to acknowledge and celebrate the joy and beauty of being Black.”
–Anton Taylor, Reading Partners Senior Manager Talent & Equity
Charisse delivering a keynote/workshop about burnout at Barnes & Thornburg law firm.
"I reached out to Charisse to be a speaker at Barnes & Thornburg's annual women's summit, HERstory, where she delivered a captivating talk on burnout. Charisse is an absolute gem as a speaker! Her words resonated deeply with me and left me feeling inspired. Charisse's delivery was engaging and interactive, making it easy for everyone to connect with her message. She shared her personal burnout experiences and provided practical strategies to recover from and prevent it. I am truly grateful for the invaluable lessons she shared with our participants. I would hire Charisse again in a heartbeat!"
—Sarah Hawk, Partner, Chair, Immigration & Global Mobility at Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Photo: Click to listen to YouTube book promotion. Note: The original title of my book was Thriving While Black and was later updated and published as The Joy of Thriving While Black.
Photo: Cover of book, The Joy of Thriving While Black
The phrase “while Black” was coined to signal the dangers that Black people sometimes face doing everyday things like driving, jogging and holding a cell phone. The Joy of Thriving While Black turns that idea on its head.
Part memoir, part invitation for self-reflection, The Joy of Thriving While Black is about the intersection between Blackness and well-being. Author Charisse M. Williams examines thriving while Black as both an individual pursuit and a collective experience. Driven by her personal narratives and those of the friends she profiles, the book explores ten contributors to thriving including community, pride, self-care and resilience.
In addition to offering inspiring stories, in The Joy of Thriving While Black, Williams shares her wisdom on:
How to coach yourself towards growth and change.
Reframing limiting beliefs that keep you stuck and interfere with you living your best life.
Questions for reflection to help you find more joy and thrive.
If you want to join the celebration of Black lives and learn more about thriving, The Joy of Thriving While Black is the book you need right now.
The one-year anniversary, hard cover edition of my book, is now available for purchase. This special edition contains a new preface and forward written by my friend Dax-Devlon Ross author of Letters to My White Male Friends.
“The Joy of Thriving While Black is not just about how we overcome but also a reflection of how far we’ve come. Williams is a conductor of compassion and has given us permission to celebrate every inch we travel. This book is a gift and a treasure.”
— Bassey Ikpi, author of New York Times Best Seller, I’m Telling the Truth, but I’m Lying.
“Writing about thriving during a time when there has been so much sorrow is a beautiful testament to Charisse's gift to inspire and uplift others. Through this powerful collection of stories, you'll find yourself encouraged and reminded again of the powerful things Black folks have always and will continue to accomplish.”
— Ryan Wilson, CEO The Gathering Spot
“Black joy isn’t revolutionary, it’s necessary. Joy in the midst of struggle has been our secret weapon. The Joy of Thriving While Black is a beautiful reminder of that.”
— Dr. Fahamu Pecou, interdisciplinary artist and scholar
“Charisse M. Williams is an elegant and important storyteller of our time. The Joy of Thriving While Black reads like sunshine and a warm hug alongside fierce redemption and critical historical context.” —Noelle Cordeaux, CEO JRNI Life Coaching