It's February, and the annual observance of the significant Black History Month has officially begun. The Black Achievement Month, also known as African-American History Month, is celebrated every year in America to acknowledge the accomplishments, and triumphant moments of talented individuals who overcame prejudices and stigma against colour and race. After Donald Trump's scathing remarks against the African nations - wherein he referred to them as "shithole countries" - people are celebrating the important month with zest and zeal to challenge the perceptions. One such initiative was started by comedian Dennis Banks on Twitter, and it's simply heartwarming. On Friday (February 1), Banks kicked off the Black History Month with a beautiful campaign. With the hashtag, #BlackMenSmiling, he asked people to share cheery photos in an effort to "normalize happy". "Today let's share some pics of #BlackMenSmiling. Like big goofy smiles. Happy (even if just for a moment) with life smiles. Normalize happy. #BlackHistoryMonth where your teeth at?" he wrote. Twitterati responded to his call with enthusiasm and the results are pretty amazing. Today let's share some pics of #BlackMenSmiling. Like big goofy smiles. Happy (even if just for a moment) with life smiles. Normalize happy. #BlackHistoryMonth where your teeth at? pic.twitter.com/lMmmjybfAU — Ra'sclat Al Ghul (@Felonious_munk) February 2, 2018 Take a look at some of the best smiling moments here — and of course, it includes Tweeple's favourite Barack Obama too. #BlackMenSmiling #Obama pic.twitter.com/PTiPTa4Qst — Pure True Love 💕 (@charluv2011) February 2, 2018 #BlackMenSmiling. #FlashbackFriday to @common visiting @TheKingCenter. pic.twitter.com/xrGqXaXX8o — Be A King (@BerniceKing) February 3, 2018 #BlackMenSmiling pic.twitter.com/1YWoqttfzB — terrycrews (@terrycrews) February 2, 2018 Sometimes we just don't even know its ok to smile. Sounds weird but it can be a struggle to be anything but a survivor. But I get it now.smile like our lives depend on it so our hearts can appreciate the moment. — Toxic Positivity (@risingdemise) February 3, 2018 i don’t break it out as often as i should but you gotta treat a weapon like my smile with care and respect #BlackMenSmiling pic.twitter.com/BFjMRDetuT — Neither-Noir, Shaman King⋆ (@play_on_verbs) February 2, 2018 Me and my Sons have Alot to Be Proud Of and about not just this month But All the Time!!#BlackMenSmiling #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackPantherChallenge pic.twitter.com/ePq3m1xUOT — Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) February 2, 2018 Couple of inspirational #BlackMenSmiling right here 😊 pic.twitter.com/bIm8n1uCnZ — Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@MuslimIQ) February 3, 2018 We smile often around here. #BlackMenSmiling pic.twitter.com/CG5I4EzOy1 — Mel Smith (@iamMelsmith) February 2, 2018 I’m here for this hashtag #BlackMenSmiling pic.twitter.com/V03h9lyOLm — Byron Juane (@Kingbyron23) February 2, 2018 Lmao, I legit had to scour for a pic of a legit smile #BlackMenSmiling pic.twitter.com/amUUNdx6w6 — Fuzzy Slippers (@Parkour_Lewis) February 2, 2018 Yo bro @Felonious_munk am I too late, I never smile in photos but just for u bro 😂 #BlackMenSmiling pic.twitter.com/C5ljWGIRvH — Covfefe-〽ikey (@mikeyDE72) February 3, 2018 Wear your crown and smile.as you find strength through every struggle! #BlackMenSmiling pic.twitter.com/xSxJs3B6fh — Dr. Eddie Connor (@EddieConnorJr) February 3, 2018 Smiling because we are pro life. #BlackMenSmiling pic.twitter.com/buufZm6gw3 — Stephen Rowe (@Rowebotz) February 2, 2018 The extremely RARE Ice Cube cheese 😬 #BlackMenSmiling pic.twitter.com/ksK7gReoeD — Will Packer (@willpowerpacker) February 3, 2018 #BlackMenSmiling No clout but I got teeth pic.twitter.com/GcWLCtWwBE — Jaythoven™🇯🇲 (@JayWilli7) February 3, 2018 ok one more #BlackMenSmiling pic.twitter.com/6fDJpPqykH — 🎷Duggy (@DwayneDuggerII) February 3, 2018 Not just smiles, the Twitter trend spread some positivity and motivation as well — and Banks too had an afterthought on the trend. Sometimes we just don't even know its ok to smile. Sounds weird but it can be a struggle to be anything but a survivor. But I get it now.smile like our lives depend on it so our hearts can appreciate the moment. — Toxic Positivity (@risingdemise) February 3, 2018 If nothing else #BlackMenSmiling is opening my eyes to how rare it is to catch a Black man smiling on camera. It's like we can't leave evidence of our happiness. — Ra'sclat Al Ghul (@Felonious_munk) February 2, 2018 Last year, superstar Beyoncé decided to share her second pregnancy news with an adorable picture on February 1 and people could not ignore the fact that the pop diva decided to reveal the delightful news at the onset of the Black History Month.
