The Heart Department hosted a photo exhibition called “Black Boys Smiling.” As the title says it was a portrait series featuring Middle to High school age boys smiling. Along with photos were a few interactive installations that taught us a bit more about these kids. The intention was to challenge assumptions and stereotypes.
In a panel discussion with the photographer, he shared his experiences in working with this group at a school in the UK. He shared his challenges and breakthroughs—in particular how he fostered emotional literacy amongst the youth through weekly exercises. This lead to a conversation around community building, ways to contribute and how this leads to revolution.
As a surprise, Sunflowers were brought out to be passed out to the self identified Men in the room afterwards. I volunteered to help.
It was so sweet to see how happy each of them were to receive one. Some twirled the long stem in their hands as they socialized, others put it in their pockets, one guy put it in the back of his hoodie and it stuck out over his head like a halo.
In a world where giving flowers to men isn’t expected, the gesture was regarded as a Revolutionary Act.
Though I agreed and was happy to be a part of it, I remember feeling a bit sad too. Existing in the margins of gender, I wondered if there’d ever be an opportunity like this for me.
About a week later, I was participating in a live painting event at the Academy Museum for Black History Month, my friend Shelley (The Heart Dept, Founder) brought me one of these sunflowers!
I remember feeling so warm and seen fully.
The effect of that kind gesture has stayed with me and my take away is on the back of the card :)
