Ten years ago, Carlton Mackey, like many other Black Americans, was overwhelmed by media images of death and unrest following the killing of Michael Brown. He was struck by the lack of positive representations of Black men on social media, leading him to create the hashtag #BlackMenSmile as a way to showcase images of joy and optimism. The movement quickly gained momentum, with men from across the country sharing smiling photos and heartfelt captions about personal growth.
Mackey and his team expanded the movement into an empowerment company, with over 100,000 followers on Instagram and a line of apparel promoting messages of Black joy. They also created YouTube series discussing fatherhood, relationships, mental health, and spirituality within the Black community.
Their largest collaboration came with Target in 2024, but now, in light of the store’s decision to roll back diversity initiatives, Mackey has expressed hesitancy to work with them again. He believes it is important to stand in solidarity with the larger Black community in making conscious decisions about where to spend money.
With the new administration under Trump signaling the end of DEI initiatives and other concerning policies, Mackey and his team feel that their work promoting Black joy is more important than ever. They aim to provide a platform for encouragement, upliftment, and empowerment within the community, especially during times of doubt and uncertainty. Their goal is to continue spreading positivity and resilience in the face of adversity.
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