They pulled back. We push forward.
When they close the door, we build our own house. As companies roll back their DEI initiatives, we’re doubling down on what’s ours.
Introducing BLACK IS FOREVER. Our independently released Black History Month collection is a bold statement of joy, unity, and self-determination. Because our culture is not a trend. Our power is not seasonal. BLACK. IS. FOREVER.
Black Men Smile® presents
Joyful Rebellion - Defining a Decade of Black Joy
Black Men Smile® is a lifestyle brand that produces apparel, art, and community activations with the mission of Amplifying the Revolutionary Power of Black Joy. We believe Black joy is revolutionary because of all that it must resist and the ways that it must persist, in order to simply exist.
We make statement pieces that are declarations of resilience and canvases for self-love.
Born from the aftermath of adversity, Black Men Smile emerged as a response to the painful images of Michael Brown's death in Ferguson. Our journey began when the creator of our brand was the first person to post an image on Instagram using the hashtag, #blackmensmile. That simple hashtage now serves as an invitation for Black men to reflect on a single question that most say they’ve never been asked before: What Makes You Smile?
With your support, we’ve grown that single hashtag into an archive of over 115,000 community-sourced images reflecting Black joy, over 100,000 followers on Instagram, and most importantly a vibrant community of local businesses, non profits, colleges and universities, major companies and brands, and revolutionary men and women from all over the world. We are committed to create a sanctuary where Black people authentically celebrate themselves and where Black Joy abounds.
Become a Leader of the Joyful Rebellion: When you wear our apparel, you're not just buying clothes; you're joining a community of Black people who understand the power of self-love, who celebrate the richness of our culture, and who are committed to improving their mental health and well-being.
“Black Joy is revolutionary because of all that it must resist and the ways that it must persist in order to simply exist.”
