Photo Courtesy of Instagram (@itav_boyhood2manhood)
A new Washington, D.C. exhibit, “Framing Fatherhood,” is using photography to capture, celebrate and commemorate Black fathers.
“It Takes a Village: Basics of Boyhood and Messages for Manhood (ITAV)” is a project that examines how social media influences the “public and mental health” of the Black community. Within the village, several projects have emerged centered around their primary mission.
“Framing Fatherhood” was created by award-winning digital storyteller Dr. Imani M. Cheers. She was inspired to showcase and celebrate positive images of Black men and fathers by her photojournalist father D. Michael Cheers.
The collection of 75 photographs captures the authentic experience of Black men as they embrace fatherhood roles. The exhibit aims to dispel the common misconception of Black fathers as absent or unloving.
The images are captured by 14 talented photographers, including Devin Allen, Tau Battice, Reese Bland, D. Michael Cheers, Reggie Cunningham, Anthony Geathers, Russell Frederick, Steven John Irby, Erskine Issac, Khary Mason, Michael A. McCoy, Quinton Pete, Michael Young and Jamel Shabazz.
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Dr. Imani Cheers, Founder & Director of It Takes a Village (ITAV), said, “Launching this exhibit is a love project and very intentional – the artists selected, their specific images included, the title, the upcoming book. All of it celebrates the beautiful images of Black men that are not seen in mainstream media.
She continued, “The goal of the exhibition is to celebrate Black men and fathers through the lens of iconic Black male photographers who make up our creative village.”
Admission for “Framing Fatherhood” is free and open to the public from June 18 to July 31 at George Washington University’s Corcoran School of the Arts and Design in Washington, D.C.
Visit their website to learn more.