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

A man with a beard wearing a gray sweater sits on a leather sofa in a room with a plain white wall.

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.

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The image depicts a group of people gathered around a table, enjoying a meal and conversation. The foreground shows plates, glasses, and various dishes on the table, while the background features framed artwork and other decorative elements, suggesting a cozy and intimate setting.