Профиль

Grateful to @AzureMagazine for designing these cards to share my public joy framework. You can check out current articles in the series here: www.azuremagazine.com/article/jay-... #PublicJoyFramework

~ Reveals which groups must continually take to public space to advocate for their rights, and which groups have the luxury of occupying public spaces through joy; ~ Reflects whether democratic rights are experienced in practice, not just written on paper.

~ Sustains dignity, openness, and respectful participation during difficult debates, elections, and public engagement; ~ Signals fractures in civic systems and spaces when unevenly distributed;

Public joy is not simply an individual feeling. It is civic, cultural, and spatial infrastructure.Let’s unpack how it operates as civic infrastructure: ~ Indicates whether people feel safe, a sense of belonging, and freedom of expression in public space; 🧵…

This is one of the many reasons I feel so strongly about the importance of public, third, and semi-public spaces — and why I believe we all have a role in being co-stewards of each other’s public joy.

Looking back at these photos from last week, I’m reminded of what becomes possible in shared spaces when we take the time to connect. I’m sure Carmen had no idea about the impact that she and Gus had on Sapphira in that moment.

Here’s the moment my neighbour Carmen came over with Gus, her sweet dog, and brought unexpected public joy into a heavy conversation. My friend Sapphira, shown here with Gus, is an architect shifting her practice toward spaces of grief after the recent loss of her sister to gender-based violence.

A question I hope will be answered on this thread: How can this important three month pilot be leveraged for the permanent restoration of public life? An observation: There should be an advocacy & evaluation strategy attached to this pilot. Following.

Factors that shape excellent public spaces beyond design: ecological & historical context responsive policy balanced safety approaches social plans centring co-stewardship maintenance budgets & plans physical, cultural & economic accessibility a lil messiness daily public joy rituals & practices

Good grief, this hits home.

Terrifying to see wildfires raging through Scotland. The climate crisis isn't a distant threat - it's right here and right now. How many warning signs and alarm bells until Andy Burnham takes action to end oil and gas drilling?

Also, in an increasingly ageist and isolated society, public praise and expressions of appreciation for our elders are essential public joy practices across all communities.

As an author who’s also a public space practitioner, my work extends beyond the page through public joy practices centred on reverence & gratitude, honouring people who’ve helped shape public spaces. Here's one of those moments with Minnijean Brown-Trickey who helped desegregate American schools.

@reenamahajan.bsky.social @katjadiehl.bsky.social @brenttoderian.bsky.social @tomflood.bsky.social @streetfilms.bsky.social @jaypitter.bsky.social @lanrickbennett.bsky.social @sflkirk.bsky.social @nondriver.bsky.social @gregshill.com @davidzipper.bsky.social @thewaroncars.bsky.social

NEW: We’re very pleased to announce the addition of Anna Zivarts @nondriver.bsky.social as an ongoing collaborator with the Urban Truth Collective, author of “When Driving Is Not An Option.” Read her bio and watch for our first collaboration shortly! #UrbanTruth www.urbantruthcollective.com/about-1

David Bowie, New York, 1989, by Masayoshi Sukita.

I’m pleased to share that Black Public Joy has been named to the 2026 Toronto Book Awards longlist, alongside a number of impressive authors and titles. As always, I’m grateful not only for the recognition, but for the community of readers who’ve really supported this work. #BlackPublicJoy

Saw this on IG and it immediately made me smile :)

Hoping to hear Uncle Crawfy on my ride in. Thanks for the share Linda Luztono h/t @namshine.bsky.social @jaypitter.bsky.social

I took a hard look at the financial donors to ICE’s biggest supporters in Congress. These are people who want to significantly expand ICE’s power and have sponsored or co-sponsored legislation to do so. Here are the top 25 consumer brands bankrolling the biggest ICE supporters in Congress: