Freedom (Can Black Boys Ever Truly Be Free?)

S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast

The eight episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Freedom, as it pertains to Black people, black boys and the society as a whole is here. In this episode, I explore the theme of freedom or lack thereof, set against the current backdrop of Black Lives Matter protests in the America and the UK as it impacts on black people in general across multiple structures in the society as well as directly for black boys in the society - from education, to criminal justice, mental health and interpersonal interactions.
The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) explores using his happiness research from the top 5 happiest countries ( You can download the report here; https://mailchi.mp/faddab9bb9a1/pdf-delivery ), historical and contemporary data, anecdotes and lived experiences, to construct an insightful account of black experiences with the denial of racism in the UK . It details key stats, recommendations and calls to action for individuals, corporates and institutions.

This episode features a audio from young black boys who have participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing. Boys Project in the last 18 months detailing their experiences in relation to the pillar of Freedom in their everyday lives.

Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )

Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project

( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )

Checkout the Artist - Kay Rufai's website - www.universoulartist.com