On May 14, Black Menswear organized a Baltimore Flash mob. It was the first time I had a chance to attend this remarkable event having missed an earlier one held in Washington. The group has been holding these pop-up flash mobs around the county. And have even taking them overseas. And while I may have missed the flash mob, I did attend the launch party for the Gentlemen, a wine collaboration between Black Menswear and KT Winery.
For those who don’t know, the Black Menswear Flash Mob series is a traveling collective that brings Black men together, suited and booted, to create culture-shifting viral content. The idea behind the flash mobs is to promote positivity when oftentimes media portrays black men in a negative light. However, an event like this can be overwhelming. I tend to be an introvert and a bit shy in large group settings. I sometimes feel uncomfortable like I don’t fit in. But that’s part of the reason I felt it was important for me to be there.
While my experiences may be vastly different from the other gentlemen who were there that day, society seems to lump us all into one homogeneous category. Despite my perceived notion and the reality of the many differences among the many men who attended, this was an awesome show of unity. It was incredible to see the nearly 500 men dressed and looking dapper at such a well-organized peaceful event.
The Black Menswear group has additional flash mobs planned for 2022. Other locations include Accra, Ghana; Lagos, Nigeria; Toronto, Canada, Dallas; Texas and Miami, Florida. For more information head to Black Menswear. However enough of the words. Enjoy some of the highlights from the Baltimore Flash mob.
Photos were provided courtesy of Black Menswear. Photographers (Instagram handles) included @deonstringz, @j_uniqueeye_, @peculiar_images, @silverliningmediagroup and @thearthype.
