There’s one thing sacred a couple of summer time Saturday on the park. Not simply the type the place you present up for a cookout and depart with a to-go plate and somebody’s folding chair. I’m speaking concerning the comfortable, gradual form—the type the place you declare your piece of grass prefer it’s beachfront property, unfold out your blanket, and let the solar do her factor whereas Frankie Beverly hums within the background.
That is the Black summer time reset. No wristbands, no velvet ropes, no DMs to finesse. Only a crew of cousins, homies, aunties, play cousins and youngsters all grown up who have been “simply infants” final summer time. Water bottles doubling as dumbbells, a Bluetooth speaker struggling for its life, and somebody swearing they nearly went to the Olympics after they ran that race barefoot in ’06. It’s giving pleasure, it’s giving melanin, it’s giving we outdoors, and moisturized.
However to lounge like a legend, you want the fitting basis. That’s why EBONY rounded up the right park blankets to cop this summer time. Not these flimsy, artificial joints that entice each blade of grass and damage your white tee. We’re speaking thick, comfortable, picnic-approved textiles made to cradle your soul—and your snacks. Whether or not you’re laid up like a cat within the solar or enjoying Spades with the depth of a championship ultimate, these blankets maintain you down.
Some roll up like yoga mats, straightforward to sling over your shoulder along with your iced espresso and self-respect. Others are daring and brilliant sufficient to make an announcement with out saying a phrase: a reminder that Black leisure is revolutionary and deserves a comfortable touchdown. Don’t sleep—until you’re truly taking a nap underneath a shady tree whereas anyone’s child tries to steadiness a Capri Solar in your brow.
As a result of right here’s the factor: in a world that’s all the time demanding our labor, our our bodies, our brilliance—laying within the park with folks you’re keen on is its personal type of protest. You don’t need to be productive. You don’t even need to put up it (until the sunshine hits excellent). You simply need to be. Snort loud. Eat good. Let the solar hit your shoulders like an ancestral hug.
So, seize your folks. Seize a blanket. And discover your patch of peace underneath the sky. This summer time, EBONY is right here to verify your lounge sport is as sturdy as your SPF.
