The Beautiful Black Man
The Beautiful Black Man is a tonal poem that examines the generational trauma of black men. Mitchell comes from a family of growers, men who grow flowers in their hair. This has been the shame for every man in his family. So, they teach their sons to pluck themselves in order for their flowers not to be seen. Plucking is a bloody mess that causes physical and emotional harm. However, it is the cost of being man enough in society.
Topics Covered
Cultural Stigma, Culture of Masculinity, Intergenerational Trauma, Racism, Self-Harm
Content Heads Up
Images of slavery
Representation
Black, Man / male, Woman / female, Adult
Film Style
Drama, Experimental
Filmmaker
Calvin Walker
Calvin J. Walker (he/him) is an award-winning Dallas filmmaker, poet, and artivist. A self-taught storyteller, he creates work across film, TV, stage, and digital, focusing on social justice, spirituality, and mental health. He’s also a husband and father of three.
