Joy’s Jam Open Mic: The First of Many

On Thursday night of February 29th, Joy Dawn Hackett threw her first open mic to celebrate Black History Month. Don’t be mistaken by “first open mic” as anything less than. She’s organized many events like jam sessions for creatives and was part of the team that organized the “Black To The Future” festival, a series of events to celebrate Black History Month. This time, Joy collaborated with Alonzo Grainger, the new owner of San Jose’s oldest barber shop now called “Head-Space SJ” where the event was thrown. With his musical ear for satisfying mixes, he shared his DJ’ing expertise at Joy’s event. During the event, TRYN, an outstanding vocalist, singer/songwriter, and poet, mentioned to the crowd how the city of San Jose makes it a difficult process to hold events like these. Yet again, that didn’t stop them.

Everyone who showed up to Joy’s event represents the united love for the Black Community and the beauty in gatherings like these. Joy’s mission is important. She is creating spaces where Black Excellence can be celebrated, which is meant to last more than just one month out of the year. The photos say it all with bright smiles and poetic words that influence the heart. It sends a valuable message that as a society, we must continue to pass the mics to voices that deserve to be heard.

Spaces like Joy’s event make it possible. Check out our gallery below to view the photos we took at Joy’s Jam to see the magic shared on February 29th and keep an eye out for her next coming events.