After being overwhelmed by negative imagery following the killing of Michael Brown ten years ago, Carlton Mackey decided to reclaim a space for positivity by creating the hashtag #BlackMenSmile. This movement aimed to promote images of joy and optimism among Black men during a time of political turmoil, providing a counter narrative to the mainstream media portrayal. With the help of Jeremiah Griffin, the movement quickly grew into a mini-movement with men across the country sharing smiling photos and personal stories of growth and hope. Over the years, the Black Men Smile movement has expanded into an empowerment company with a social media following of over 100,000 and a line of apparel celebrating Black joy.
The company faced a bittersweet moment when they collaborated with Target for Black History Month, only to have Target roll back its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs shortly after. Despite this setback, Mackay and Griffin remain committed to their mission of promoting Black joy and positivity, especially in the face of challenges like the recent changes under the Trump administration. They believe that their work is now more important than ever in providing a source of upliftment and empowerment for the Black community during uncertain times. Through initiatives like their YouTube series and community discussions, Mackay and Griffin are determined to continue spreading messages of joy, hope, and resilience within the Black community.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
