ROBERT WASHINGTON-VAUGHNS believes in psychological healing through flowers. “I was chasing success in the way that I was raised to do: Get a good job, get good benefits, have a nice car,” he says. Born in Chicago, the 35-year-old project manager at Los Alamos National Laboratory had achieved those things, but at a price. “One day, I was ready to give up,” he adds. “The facade of success was killing me.” In 2018, he was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and spent three months in group therapy. From there, he established the Black Men Flower Project, a nonprofit that works to rescue Black men from the psychological scars burdening them since slavery. Inspired by the phrase “He deserves his flowers,” the organization surprises Black men, who are nominated by other Black men, with fresh bouquets. Since 2021, the Black Men Flower Project has worked with florists in 13 states to bequeath more than 300 bouquets. The project also sponsors flower arrangement workshops and somatic release classes for Black men and boys at the Santa Fe Railyard Performance Center.

I thought to myself, What is the easiest way to translate three months of intensive group therapy to other men that are on the same journey? It was flowers.

We have Black men give other Black men flowers to say, “I acknowledge your hard work. I understand your struggles.”

Flowers have traditionally been romantic.

Even when they were given at funerals, it was originally to hide the stench of the body. We’re trying to change the narrative.

When men get flowers, it’s very emotional. They don’t know how to react to that sentiment.

The first time I got flowers, a Chicago florist brought me this tiny bouquet. It’s scary. It made me feel like someone snatched my clothes. But that shows how powerful nature can be, right?

Men aren’t used to receiving things, and it’s not acceptable to react emotionally in public.

We live in a form of hegemonic masculinity that says you have to do it by yourself.

I created the somatic release classes to have environments where we could heal behind closed doors.

If you’re struggling with mental health or financial issues, you have to be the first one to say “I need help.” If you can’t say “I need help,” then no one can help you.

Some people say, “I don’t want it,” or “I don’t deserve it.” I think people are just very hard on themselves.

In the type of society we live in, you can’t just be a postman and send your kids to school. You have to be extraordinary. It’s hard for people to celebrate themselves if they don’t feel worthy.

We put flowers in green rooms of entertainers and public speakers prior to their engagement.

We gave André 3000 a thousand flowers [when he came to speak at the Lucky Leaf Expo in Albuquerque in 2024]. Seeing men that I adore and look up to receive flowers is awesome.

We’re getting people acclimated to bringing nature indoors to say this is not something that we’re separated from.

Nature is everywhere.

Living in New Mexico has caused me to slow down and realize there’s so much more work that can be done by introducing people to nature. Nature is a multifaceted puzzle piece.

Read more: The skier who reached the fastest speed of any North American has his sights set on inspiring the next generation.

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To nominate or donate to the Black Men Flower Project, visit blackmenflowerproject.org