Photography by Steven Duarte

Creative Direction by Quinnton J Harris

As a Detroit-bred, Brooklyn living, MIT-educated black man on the heels of graduating his twenties, I will always behold a profound love for my fellow, black brethren. Yet, despite my pride and appreciation, I have little recollection of seeing images of black men loving on each other: Whether it’s TV, in magazines or even social media, it’s too scarce that I see an authentic display of kinship between us. Why is that?

Often times as men, particularly amongst black men, it is challenging for us to find the space to emote  —  and it is even bigger challenge to navigate and preserve the refuge within our vulnerabilities. Through these series of images, I defy this notion of false stoicism as the primary perspective of black men  —  not only because it is not my perspective, but also because it is a violent one.

“It is the dismissal of our emotions that dissolves the joys and sorrows that are fighting to be freed.”

What perpetuates this resignation from empathy amongst and towards black men? Perhaps it is how frequently we are portrayed as villainizing tropes in the media all around us. Or perhaps it is centuries of systemic oppression that pigeonholes us into virulent stereotypes like “Menacing. Dangerous. Thug. Criminal.” It’s amazing how powerful just a few, virulent adjectives could cost so many men their own lives, simply for existing while black. It is the dismissal of our emotions that dissolves the joys and sorrows that are fighting to be freed.

For my 30th birthday, I created art that shows black boys, no matter who they are, where they come from or even where they are going, deserve space to exude their emotions unapologetically. Whether it is sadness or joy, we deserve to be there for each other: Encouraging ourselves, building our kingdoms together and polishing our crowns like the kings that we are. Acknowledging the beauty and truths within our differences is what makes the exuberance even more brilliant. And that is what #blackboyjoy is all about. It’s more than a hashtag. It is our humanity.

Special thank you to my friends Jay Saint, Larry Kamguia, Dorian Dargan, Quinnton J Harris, Yhondale Player, Steven Duarte, and Hana Heshimu for making this idea possible.

Disclaimer: These photos are not official photographs of the following media publications of Johnson Publishing Company, VIBE, Essence Ventures, and Conde Nast, and do not reflect the views, opinions and positions expressed by the owners of these publications. This project was done for fun and free, and simply wanted to pay homage to the platforms that continue to give us positive images of our black men.