Black Boy Joy

The #BlackBoyJoy movement, which started on social media in 2016, aims to reduce stereotypes and increase sources of positive representation for Black boys. The phrase, coined by Danielle Young, focuses on reducing toxic masculinity in the Black community and giving young Black people reasons to feel proud of who they are. The movement was inspired by the idea that Black boys and men are often depicted in media using negative, harmful, or oppressive stereotypes. People used the hashtag alongside positive social media posts that depicted themselves and others smiling or laughing, showing affection, helping others, and other positive activities. #BlackBoyJoy is meant to help Black boys and men portray a positive energy, be understood, and express themselves without fear of shame or ridicule.

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, Black people have worked and continue to work to reclaim their identities and solidify their communities. The #BlackBoyJoy movement was based on the idea that Black boys need to see themselves as more than the negative or oppressive stereotypes that often dictate how they are portrayed in media. The hashtag grew from a belief that social media can help change the way Black boys and men are depicted because it is highly accessible and used by the majority of the young population. The more the hashtag is used, proponents argue, the more it can change how Black people see themselves and how the world sees Black people. One study found that engagement with #BlackBoyJoy posts is typically positive and leads to positive interactions between posters and commenters.