JOY

A to Z

FOOD HEALTH JOY LIFE

Ancestral Eats: Rediscovering Myself Through My Culinary Heritage

Writer Toluwanimi Obiwole shares how she rejected—then rediscovered herself—through the food of her homeland. Read More

Snapshop: Jade Mitsuko Wants To Be Your Next Top Model

Meet Jade Mitsuko, your favorite model you've never heard of. Read More

HEALTH JOY LIFE

Witchcraft As Black Feminist Practice: Part II With Educator Haylin Belay

In this long-awaited second installment, Haylin Belay—sex educator, author, and witchcraft enthusiast—talks with writer Maya Pascal about her introduction to the life practice of witchcraft and its utility in formulating her own brand of feminism. Read More

AYO Interview: Hannan Saleh

AYO talks with fashion photographer Hannan Saleh about her forthcoming book, Street Culture. Read More

JOY LIFE WELLNESS

When The Binary Isn’t Enough

Parisian writer Inès Perrot shares her journey of self-discovery and identity. Read More

HEALTH JOY LIFE

Celebrate Yourself By Getting Off Social Media

Writer and poet Jasmine Farrell encourages a disconnect from social media. Read More

JOY MUSIC WELLNESS

Why I Can Still Listen to ‘A Seat at the Table’ A Year Later

First-time writer Emma Henry shares why A Seat at the Table is still worth a listen a year after its debut. Read More

Welcome to AYO, an international meeting place for black women.

Here at AYO, we share honest, relevant stories for smart, creative, engaged, black women. From Brooklyn to Bordeaux, Lagos to Laos, we aim to meet black women wherever they are in the world. Literally.

AYO was launched in 2016 by founder and editor-in-chief Adenike Olanrewaju.

AYO is a labor of love that we hope will be a wellspring of cultural examinations and celebration; a place where various kinds of the black woman can exist. In this space, there is joy.

So here’s to finding your joy. Wherever you are.