1001 (Beautiful) Black Men

This ambitious project on 8-Rock.com is well on its way to documenting 1001 Black Men in the form of drawings. Each post is accompanied by a short description of where the real life Black men where encountered.

What I love most about this series is the drive to destroy the single story that’s been told about Black men for decades. The artist sees “past entrenched stereotypes to create images of Black men that reflect the wonderful complexity of African American lives–our history so deeply embedded in our present, our celebrations so often tempered by grief and, yes, the pleasure and danger we find in so many many of the people, places, and activities that give us joy.”

The drawings are accompanied by highly symbolic images, from excerpts of radical texts, to icons of weaponry and adinkra marks; all very intricate and detailed parts of the each story. Check out the website for the rest of the images and follow @8_Rock on twitter.


Kayobi Clothing’s New World Africa is Beautiful

Kayobi Clothing has created this New World Africa collection “inspired by Aricans and lovers of Africa who are spearheading the African Renaissance.” I love the vibrant colors, tongue-in-cheek sayings and overall attitude of the collection. Shout out to Kwabena for the work he’s doing with this line! Head on over to the shop to get your pieces right now! (But, uh… that red Oh! Chale shirt? Mine! :] )