I created the photo series Black Boy Joy 2020 as a celebration of the diverse lives, voices, styles, and stories of Black male-identifying folx. Globally, Black men have been stripped of their identities and collectively labeled as a criminal. The purpose of this project is to capture the true diversity of Black male lifestyles to correct the racists narratives created by films like Birth of a Nation; which solidified the idea that Black men are dangerous. This same idea has rapidly expanded the prison population over generations. During the Reagan Era, Black men were not only labeled as criminals, but as ‘Super Predators.’ The fact is the racists media creates racists perceptions that have real consequences for all Black people. The images we have created are to capture the organic essence of each participant through the lens of joy. Locations were selected by each individual when asked, “Do you have a place or space that brings you joy?” I photographed my family, friends, tinder matches, dudes I met on the street, the airport, Trader Joe's, men I saw as leaders, business owners, creatives, scholars, really anyone that would say yes to a shoot. Starting in New York, I shot in Los Angeles, Pasadena, San Diego, San Francisco, Oakland, Chicago, and Kalamazoo. I've also included sites of joy I found while on this journey. This is only the beginning of this project. I hope the photos bring you joy. 

Madison Elaine