We are honoured to be exhibiting 56 Black Men, a project founded and captured by the multitalented Cephas Williams.
This exhibition was brought to life in partnership with our neighbours, and now friends, Clear Channel.
We believe that this exhibition needs to be truly inclusive, so we are opening our doors at 36 Golden Square to the public, however, in order to gain access into our building, you will need to book – and of course, the exhibition is free.
56 Black Men
Overview:
This started as a visual campaign documenting 56 black men who are doing something other than the widely portrayed image of black men across various forms of media. Championing the idea that “I am not My Stereotype.” In 2108 Cephas took a series of 56 portrait images of black men all wearing hoodies.
The number 56 taken from a Sky sport that detailed the number of black people murdered in 2018. With this in mind, alongside the increasing reporting of black men as victims or perpetrators of knife crime, Cephas decided to start spotlighting the positive achievements of black men who are alive – not just murder victims or suspects.
If young black boys continually see themselves represented in the media in a negative way, this doesn’t give them much else to look up to, neither does this help to change the trajectory of their life.
The campaign looks to challenge the lazy and dangerous stereotype of ‘the black man’ and the negative connotations and stigma attached to the cliche image of a black man wearing a hoody. The campaign makes a visually bold statement by showing black men wearing hoodies, whilst it also features text on what these men do as an occupation. The campaign has men featured from the world of finance, the arts, legal and business, right through to the medical field and more. This is generally the opposite of what society has been conditioned to expect of black men, and in some cases, even impacts how black men view themselves/their ability.
Our Mission:
The mission of 56 Black Men is to put black men at the forefront of our own conversation. We also aim to dramatically reduce the negative portrayal of black men throughout various forms of mainstream media. Over the years the image of black men in the media has often been demonised, as black men are mainly spotlighted in association to being perpetrators or victims of violence/crime. Until black men are adequately represented in main stream media we will not stop. We will leverage our resources, our allies and the unity between our members to help bring about this change and empower black men within the UK and Globally.
Venue:
M&C Saatchi
36 Golden Square Soho London, W1F 9EE
Dates