On May 28th at 6:00 p.m. cst, The Black Man Project will host an Instagram Live event announcing their first virtual dinner and global research project to capture the the black male experience in contemporary society. Last year, filmmaker Brian Ellison, anthropologist Marlon Hall, and sculptor Anthony Suber launched a series of conversations in six different cities across the country to create a safe space for Black men. The purpose of the tour was to spark conversations around past and present trauma, vulnerability and navigating daily prejudices faced by black men. Curated by Hall, the dinner series featured a moving sculpture created by Suber with conversation centered around a documentary directed by Ellison, UnMASKulinity, which is set to debut this year.

“May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we know that society often dismisses the emotional needs of predominantly black populations," said Hall. “Our virtual programs are our way of undoing social constructs and creating an environment where black men are truly seen."

Hall is an international lecturing anthropologist, practitioner, and storyteller. His work helps individuals and organizations develop sustainable practices, rituals, values, and programs to deepen their connections, strengthen their culture, and broaden their impact. His life intention is to cultivate human potential in ways that are beautiful and willful. Ellison is a philanthropist and a self-taught photographer, cinematographer, and conceptual visual artist. He’s known for capturing the everyday black experience such as gentrification's impact on historical communities, under-publicized black love and comradery, parenthood, and the persistent courage of black men and women.

Suber is a painter, sculptor and educator. Currently, he is creating an arts educational program for under-served communities in the Houston area focused on both enrichment and serving the greater community by providing an effective voice to those who otherwise would be marginalized.

Guests can join the discussion next week on The Black Man Projects Instagram page and are encouraged to complete The Black Man Project survey in advance. The survey can be accessed by clicking here.

The group, along with other experts in the arts and education, will create a curriculum to accompany the dinner series aiming to empower communities to continue the conversation long after the dinner is over. The trio of men came together after discovering their common interest in creating spaces for men to gather, share and grow–both emotionally and intellectually. According to Mental Health America, Black/African American men are particularly conscious of stigma when it comes to seeking help or advice from an expert such as a psychologist.

The events are hosted by The Black Man Project and funded by grants from the The George Kaiser Family Foundation, John Steven Kellet Foundation, the City of Houston and the Houston Arts Alliance.