This is who is scouring the internet, poking through the archives, and interviewing the elders.

This chunky toddler in knee-high socks, asleep in her high chair, gripping a chicken leg, is grateful to greet the risen sun on this 62nd turn in its orbit — sound in mind and body, nimble of toe and wit, surrounded by love, and always, always, always ready to put in work.

Black Wide-Awake is the gift that ricochets from me to you and back, and I am especially thankful on my birthday.

Photo in collection of Lisa Y. Henderson.