Partner profile: Black Male Positivity Project

When did Black Male Positivity Project start and what inspired the project?

The Black Male Positivity Project started in 2022 as a way to explore critical and challenging issues within the African male community by instigating transmedia conversations among Black men from a range of geographic, economic, generational, educational, political and social strata. We wanted provide a forum for necessary, honest expression and healing dialogue on themes that divide, unite and puzzle Black males today in Africa.

Who is your intended audience and how do you reach them?

Our intended audience is Black males from any age who need support and guidance from the brotherhood to navigate manhood. We have two campaigns, For Black Boys which celebrates all the positive elements that boys bring to their families and communities. It also highlights the issues and challenges that boy’s face as they develop. 

Then we have our growing Celebrating Black Fatherhood. The mainstream ideas about Black fatherhood overlook the diversity of who Black fathers really are. This campaign aims to showcase the complexities of Black fatherhood, highlighting its challenges and joys. We want to inspire Black men and fathers with our curated bookshop and encourage them to share their stories.

We believe in interactive engagements; we host book discussion as literacy is a big part of what we do and we have a curated book selection that we encourage men to read. Last year we had a conversation with Professor Malose discussing his book Becoming Men: Black Masculinities in the Township. Engagements like these with qualified professionals give different insights to the men. 

We also host educational fun events such as our annual Father’s Day Ride which we hosted in collaboration with Heartlines, these events make it easier for men to open up and engage with other men. We watched the Heartlines Fathers Matter short films and had a conversation on positive fatherhood. 

What has been the highlight of your work?

The highlight has been seeing the organisation grow and impact Black males across the world with limited resources. Last year we attend the annual Empowaman Summit where I was one of the guest speakers, we also attended the Mental Health Indaba to champion men’s mental health and recently I was invited to the launch of the State of South Africa’s Fathers 2024 report in Cape Town; this is testimony to the importance of the work we are doing. 

What do you feel is the most important message to young fathers today?

To young fathers “Fatherhood is a journey and not ever arrives, we always learning and unlearning, enjoy the journey and don’t be afraid to ask for help from the brotherhood…” 

To find out more, visit:  https://www.facebook.com/blackmalepositivityproject/