About Black Men Flower Project
About The Project
The Black Men Flower Project, a groundbreaking initiative launched in 2021, is redefining societal norms by celebrating the beauty and strength of black masculinity. This pioneering movement seeks to challenge stereotypes and foster healing within the black community.
BMFP provides a platform for black men to express their authentic selves and share their personal narratives. Inspired by the resilience and fragility embodied in flowers, this project illuminates the multifaceted experiences of black men, shedding light on their vulnerability and inner strength, much like a budding blossom pushing through the cracks of adversity.
By showcasing the diverse range of black masculinity, the project dismantles harmful stereotypes that have perpetuated negative narratives in mainstream media for far too long. Through flower donations and genuine conversations, it advocates for an inclusive society that embraces all aspects of black culture, cultivating empathy, understanding, and unity among black men.
About The Founder
Black Men Flower Project started in the summer of 2021 in Columbus, Ohio when Robert Washington-Vaughns began delivering flowers to his guy friends in and around Columbus, Ohio has a token of his gratitude and appreciation towards them.
Robert conceptualized the project during his time in an outpatient mental health program in Columbus, Ohio in 2018. He was inspired by the community, art, and nature therapy practice wabi-sabi and wanted to adapt it to something portable and impactful.
“There’s that lingo of ‘Oh give him his flowers, he did a great job,’ but when are there physically being flowers given to men? At their funerals,” explains W.V. on a call from his home in New Mexico, where he’s recently taken a new job. “I saw TikToks and discussion on Twitter of what the equivalent of flowers was for men. It was tools or a sexual act, and I was just like WHY can’t it be flowers?”
