BLACK. BEAUTIFUL. BOLD. BRILLIANT.
A visual and narrative exploration of Black manhood—centered on healing, representation, and the power of community.
our mission
It Takes a Village: Basics of Boyhood and Messages for Manhood explores how social media shapes public perception and mental health within the Black community—especially for content creators and consumers alike.
Rooted in the qualitative research method photovoice, the project draws inspiration from the African proverb that underscores
the essential role of family and community in raising children.
At its core, ITAV is committed to helping the public, journalists, and policymakers better understand how digital media influences conversations—and ultimately, opinions—about Black men as boys, friends, fathers, partners, and whole human beings.
THE BOOK
Framing Fatherhood is a stunning and moving photographic celebration of culture, fatherhood, masculinity, and blackness from 30 of today’s prominent Black male photographers.
In Framing Fatherhood, acclaimed curator and producer Dr. Imani Cheers brings together the vision of 30 prominent and well-respected Black photographers to capture and share the beauty of Black fatherhood.
With photography from prolific visual storytellers devoted to capturing varying expressions of the Black experience, like Reginald Cunningham, Anthony Geathers, Jamel Shabazz, and Michael A. McCoy, Dr. Cheers has gathered together an inspiring group of men to share the often overlooked beauty found within seeing Black men as individuals, fathers, role models, and community members.
A celebratory and thought-provoking collection of photography and short essays, Framing Fatherhood is a must-have for lovers of visual art and the inherent goodness of the human spirit.
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October 2025
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Framing Fatherhood is available for preorder at major bookstores nationwide. We also encourage you to support local booksellers—call your neighborhood bookstore to see if they’ll be carrying the title!
#blackboyjoy
Cheers to the creatives that shed light on who we really are…. kind, loving, brilliant, human!