Steel Smiling

The Beams to Bridges 6 Welcome Party was full of joy, connection, and community pride. New cohort members gathered with Steel Smiling staff and BTB alumni to celebrate the start of this next chapter. Alumni poured into the room with wisdom and reflection, reminding the new cohort that they are joining a powerful community of people committed to healing, growth, and collective care.

📸: Corey Lankford

Yesterday, we had the honor of participating in a powerful panel discussion at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. In collaboration with City Theatre, we explored how Malcolm X and Redd Foxx Washing Dishes at Jimmy’s Chicken Shack in Harlem speaks to the lived experiences of Black men today.

Our conversation with community members touched on the ways brotherhood, hair care, and vulnerability shape how Black men show up for themselves and for the world around them. We also discussed how intentionally checking in on one another can spark sustainable practices of self care and collective healing.

This show is going to be amazing, and we highly encourage you to experience it. Click the link below to purchase tickets for one of the upcoming Pittsburgh performances.

https://citytheatrecompany.org/production/100835/list_performances?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTY3MDY3MzQzMzUyNDI3AAGngt7DVsKchjfG242y3jknFdOO9ck3eNLmtBH_0fVmGLGcqrbOfTIVLVzPy0Q_aem_QbZKlerbQI0n8ngNUT4mCg

📸 Corey Lankford

There's absolutely nothing in this world that's more powerful than healing as a community. When we share stories and celebrate with each other, our joy comes alive. The connectivity that we felt at our 10 Year Anniversary Event made the entire experience unforgettable and boldly reminded us of why our collective work matters.

Thanks for helping us co-create space for an abundance of positive mental health support. 🖤💛

Photos by Corey Lankford