Black Men Smile® creator Carlton Mackey partnered with artist and event curator Josh Dingle to produce the first A Marvelous Black Boy Art Show on Feb. 20, 2020 in Atlanta. The event featured works from all Black, male artists with the purpose of celebrating black men, the strength in our stories, and the creativity in our expression.
Through visual works of art, apparel, live performances, and delicious food and drinks, guests celebrated in a tangible, visceral celebration of Black Joy.
“Black artists are ushering in a new revolution…a new modality for resistance that isn’t solely measured in the number of marches attended or petitions signed,” Black Men Smile® creator Carlton Mackey said. “THIS revolution is measured in our collective healing, our flourishing, and in our joy.”
The event was anchored by the Black Joy Is Revolutionary installation, an homage to the iconic photo of revolutionary Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton. Guests were invited to interact with the installation and take photos of themselves embodying the seat of Black Joy, acknowledging that their very expressions of laughter and happiness are revolutionary acts.
To commemorate the event, Dingle and Mackey released a limited edition BLACK JOY IS REVOLUTIONARY collection. Shop the collection here
