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

The Season One Finale episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Trust, Togetherness & Belonging, Health (Mental & Physical), Freedom, Security, Purpose, Money & Wealth and Democracy as it pertains to Black boys, and the wider black experience.

The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) recaps the themes explored in the last 15 week, drawing on the key actions uncovered in the previous episodes.

Support the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project to engage with 100 more black boys across 5 schools in London through our crowdfunding campaign here
( https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/smile-ing-boys-project )

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 )

The Fifteenth episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Togetherness & Belonging, as it pertains to Black boys and the myth of the absent Black father. In this episode, I explore the statistics with nuance and engage in the underlying systems and factors that make for skewed perspectives in the political discourse on this topic.

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 live accounts from the boys.

This episode features  audio from young black boys who have participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing. Boys Project in the last 18 months exploring their honest responses to the idea of role models and presence or lack-thereof of fathers in their 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 )

The Fourteenth episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Togetherness & Belonging, as it pertains to Black boys and the impacts of role models vs mentors in their lives. In this episode, I explore the argument for and against role models while digging into the nuances of role models and mentors.

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 live accounts from the boys.

This episode features  audio from young black boys who have participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing. Boys Project in the last 18 months exploring their honest responses to the idea of role models in their 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 )

The Thirteenth episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Purpose, as it pertains to Black boys navigating through the society in pursuit of what their purpose - for coming to school, in contribution to the society and in life generally. In this episode, I explore the Japanese concept of "ikigai' which details 4 key components to navigate us to our purpose.

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 live accounts from the boys through a simple prompt - 'If you could do anything in life that will bring you joy and make you money, what would it be?'

This episode features  audio from young black boys who have participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing. Boys Project in the last 18 months exploring their honest responses to the prompt question.

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 )

Ikigai - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxj3P0enJNQ&t=185s

The Twelfth 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 boys navigating through the society with 'Masks' is here. In this episode, I explore the concept of 'Masks' worn by  black boys in the society and how this could lead to the psychological theory of 'The Fragmented Self' as a whole,

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 live accounts from the boys through an exercise created by Ashanti Branch  exploring the concept of Masks.

This episode features  audio from young black boys who have participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing. Boys Project in the last 18 months exploring their thoughts on the masks they wear - the outward facing side nd the side they don't show, leading to interesting revelations as a result.

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 )

Ashanti Branch - The Mask you live in - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jaVm7fQ4m4

The Fragmented Self - http://wgst.athabascau.ca/awards/broberts/forms/Jules.pdf

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

The eleventh episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Money & Wealth, as it pertains to  black boys and the society as a whole is here. In this episode, I explore a specific question ' How easy is it to make £100?' to the 13yr old black boys, exploring some of the avenues readily accessible to them.

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 give a much more nuanced insight into the discussion.

This episode features  audio from young black boys who have participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing. Boys Project in the last 18 months exploring their thoughts on how easy it is to make £100 and it's direct correlation with crimes and youth violence. This episode challenges us to interrogate our relationship with money and capitalism and how this permeates through our art, media and normalised existence.

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

The tenth episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Money & Wealth, as it pertains to  black boys and the society as a whole is here. In this episode, I explore the age old question ' Does Money Equal happiness?' using research and anecdotal experiences of the young black boys as insightful case studies.

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 give a much more nuanced insight into the discussion.

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 exploring their thoughts on money and it's impact on their life's purpose.

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

The ninth 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 socialisation of homophobia & transphobia as a by product of patriarchy to black boys and how this relates to the current global revolution of 'All Black Lives Matter'.

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 highlight the anti-black homo/transphobia prevalent in black communities through culture, religion and post-colonial anti-blackness in our communities . It details key stats, recommendations and calls to action for individuals - Black men specifically, men, women and non binary folks.

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 exploring their thoughts on homosexuality.

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

National Centre for institutional diversity report - https://medium.com/national-center-for-institutional-diversity/hearing-the-queer-roots-of-black-lives-matter-2e69834a65cd

Sunahta D Jones research Thesis; Ain't I a Woman, Too? Depictions of Toxic Femininity, Transmisogynoir, and Violence -https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=9015&context=etd

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

The seventh 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 unique episode features a recited text from a young boy that participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys classroom workshops with Kay Rufai recounting his experience of racism via the hands of the police in the last two days in London.

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

Here are some great organisations doing incredible work in these arenas:

4Front Project

Movement for Justice By Any Means Necessary

The United Families & Friends Campaign

Black Lives Matter UK

gal-dem

United Borders

Mentivity

56 Black men

Resource for white people;

Reading List

70 strategies that white people in the UK can adopt to fight for racial injustice - ( https://agatapacho.wordpress.com/2020/06/02/70-strategies-that-white-people-in-the-uk-can-adopt-to-fight-racial-injustice/ )

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