The Vanguard: Carlton Mackey’s Mission to Reclaim Black Joy

How the creator of Black Men Smile turned despair into a revolutionary movement—and why joy is the ultimate resistance.

Editor’s note: The Vanguard is a celebration of visionaries breaking barriers and building legacies. This feature spotlights Black male creatives and entrepreneurs who are leading the charge in their industries, innovating with purpose, and inspiring change. The Vanguard dives deep into their journeys—exploring the passions that drive them, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the lasting impact they’re creating. With a focus on leadership, creativity, and cultural influence, The Vanguard stands as a platform to amplify these trailblazers’ voices and honor their contributions to business, art, and community.

Carlton Mackey, an Atlanta-based artist and cultural curator, shares his vision for creative equity during a discussion in his studio, fall 2024. Photo: Delano Massey

Carlton Mackey vividly remembers the moment that changed his life. It was 2014, and images of Michael Brown’s body lying in the streets of Ferguson flooded social media.

“It messed me up,” Mackey says plainly. “I went through every range of emotion: confusion, fear, anger. I started questioning myself—how do I avoid this happening to me? What do I need to teach my son?”

But traditional forms of protest didn’t resonate with him. “Everyone was yelling at the police, at the system, but no one was talking to the people who were hurting,” he explains.

Searching for a way to process his emotions, Mackey, 47, of Atlanta asked himself one question: What makes me smile?

That question became the foundation for Black Men Smile, a movement to celebrate and reclaim joy for Black men.

The Psychology of Black Joy

Dr. Ed Garnes, a therapist based in Atlanta and founder of From Afros to Shelltoes, believes the psychological implications of Black Men Smile are profound.

“For Black men, being vulnerable is revolutionary,” Garnes explains. “Our vulnerability has historically been used against us. What Carlton has done with Black Men Smile is create a space for us to tap into our emotions in a world that constantly puts us on the defense.”

Garnes emphasizes that joy isn’t just an emotional state; it’s a form of resistance against systemic oppression. “Black joy is truly revolutionary,” he says. “We can’t even congregate as Black men without police intervention. So when we choose to focus on joy, we’re reclaiming our humanity and reminding ourselves of our innate psychological strengths—resilience, humor, and connectedness.”

Building a Movement, One Smile at a Time

In its early days, Black Men Smile was a simple hashtag on social media. Mackey began sharing photos of Black men smiling—a small but powerful act to counter the dominant narratives of Black men as threats or victims.

To his surprise, no one had claimed the hashtag. “I was shocked,” Mackey recalls. “Those three words—Black Men Smile—were available everywhere. That’s when I knew I had a mission.”

Within 24 hours, Mackey secured the domain name, social media handles, and trademarked the phrase. He was determined to create a digital space where images of Black men smiling could thrive.

Comedian Felonious Munk played a key role in amplifying the movement. After discovering the hashtag, Munk used his platform to promote it, helping it go viral on Twitter and bringing it to the attention of CNN and HLN.

Why Black Joy Is Revolutionary

Mackey’s work goes beyond photos and hashtags—it’s a challenge to societal narratives that limit Black men to stereotypes of toughness and stoicism.

“Joy is a form of resistance,” Mackey explains. “It insists on our humanity in a world that tries to strip it away. Black joy is revolutionary because it says we’re more than what the world sees us as.”

Garnes agrees, noting that joy can be a pathway to healing. “When you focus on joy, you’re also focusing on healing the trauma embedded in our DNA,” Garnes says. “Movements like Black Men Smile remind us that we’re not just surviving—we’re thriving.”

A Broader Mission of Healing Through Art

In addition to leading Black Men Smile, Mackey serves as the Assistant Director of Learning and Civic Engagement at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. His work focuses on leveraging art as a tool for healing, identity, and social justice.

At the High, Mackey has launched programs like Healing Arts Atlanta, which addresses social determinants of health through art. He also leads intimate conversations on topics like the divinity of Black art and its role in reshaping narratives.

“Art can change minds and transform consciousness,” Mackey says. “It helps us see the world differently—and see ourselves differently.”

The Healing Power of a Smile

Garnes highlights the unique power of Black Men Smile to spark conversations about mental health. “A hoodie with the words Black Men Smile can be therapeutic,” he says. “It’s a reminder to pause and say, ‘I do need to smile. I do need to live more.’”

He also believes the scarcity of Black male therapists makes initiatives like Black Men Smile even more vital. “When was the last time any system affirmed Black men?” Garnes asks. “This movement fills that gap, giving Black men a way to see themselves as valuable, joyful, and whole.”

A Legacy of Impact

Black Men Smile has continued to evolve over the years, partnering with major brands like Target and expanding its reach through mental health initiatives. Its message—Black Joy is Revolutionary—has become a rallying cry for a generation of men seeking to reclaim their narratives.

Looking ahead, Mackey is working on a documentary chronicling the past decade of Black Men Smile and its impact. He remains committed to his mission of using art and activism to create spaces where Black men can be seen in their fullness.

“My life’s work is about reclaiming narratives and showing the world—and ourselves—that Black joy is revolutionary,” Mackey says.