The healing power of identity is a life-giving source of joy and wellness. But we are often more comfortable talking about Black suffering than Black joy, mental health, and rest. So what makes Black boys joyful? Who has access to the full spectrum of identity-building play? What are “acceptable” forms of play (to educators) and why? Audience members will join us on stage to share their wisdom and explore the relationship between play, Black identity and agency as we continue our journey in reclaiming liberation and joy as our birthright as BIPOCs - Black, Indigenous, People of Color.