At This Year’s Lay Out Brooklyn, Black Joy Abounded

Fort Greene Park was filled with beaming smiles and sweltering skin on Sunday, during The Lay Out’s annual celebration of Black expression and community. Founded by Emily Anadu, Manushka Magloire, Michael Oloyede, and Cyrus Aaron after the murder of George Floyd, The Lay Out creates events throughout the year where Black folks can take up space without fear of their own environment. Since the inaugural event on June 7, 2020, people have come in droves to let go of their inhibitions and participate in the exchange of culture and energy.

This year’s Juneteenth celebration began at 10 a.m. and featured a meditation session with George Mumford (who works with basketball stars like Shaquille O’Neal and Michael Jordan), a marketplace featuring over 50 Black-owned brands, and a DJ set. The tagline “straight joy, no chaser,” was certainly appropriate. There was plenty to do and see, but it wouldn’t be a New York event without a pack of eclectic and fashion-forward attendees standing out.

Between gatherings of people drinking wine and popping champagne, a man gallantly tried to balance a trashcan and tire atop his head while riding a bicycle, all while sporting a rosewood faux fur bomber. Not too far off, a couple in complementary creams and greens got engaged, while the sound of Keyshia Cole’s joyful belts rang throughout the crowd. Every second, something new and delightful pulled attention.

Attendees proudly showed their support for Black-owned brands, from Brandon Blackwood to The Grp Prjct to Savant Studios. Two standout accessories were intricate gold grills from UCL lacquered with “Juneteenth” colored stones, worn by Oliver Luke, and handcrafted earrings from Senegal. Ana Rice wore a black molded breastplate from SYCKNY, then put her own spin on the look with Jordans and a Uniqlo bag. But that just scratches the surface of the bold, bright, storytelling fashion throughout The Lay Out. See for yourself below.

Photographed by Denise Stephanie