New ‘me too.’ PSA ‘The Barbershop’ Exposes How Sexual Violence Against Black Boys is Normalized
New York, NY — On August 21, 2025, me too. International premiered its newest public service announcement, The Barbershop, in New York City at the Apollo Procope Theater. The PSA is part of our ongoing campaign, What Do We Owe Black Children?, created in collaboration with Verzuz TV to expose the harmful cultural narratives that endanger Black children and uphold rape culture.
The premiere marks the second and final release in the series, following The Rules, which focused on the adultification of Black girls. The Barbershop shifts the lens to the often-overlooked reality of sexual violence against Black boys—particularly how abuse by older women is minimized, dismissed or even normalized as a rite of passage. The PSA challenges these harmful tropes and asserts that the first role of boys and men in the movement must be as survivors, not perpetrators.
“Black boys are not immune to harm, and they are not inherently dangerous. They deserve safety, protection and the freedom to be vulnerable. And it’s up to us—parents, teachers, coaches, all of us—to create a culture where their trauma is no longer a punchline.” – Tarana Burke, our Founder and Chief Vision Officer
The Barbershop placed audiences in a familiar space where raw, unfiltered dialogue mirrors real-life barbershop conversations. This time, however, the focus was on healing, accountability and truth-telling. Following the screening, a 60-minute panel discussion explored how adults can confront the narratives that normalize harm and commit to protecting Black children in schools, homes and communities.
The post-screening panel was moderated by Perry “Vision” DiVirgilio and featured the following speakers:
- Van Lathan, podcaster and media personality
- Marc Lamont Hill, author, professor and political commentator
- Yolo Akili Robinson, Founder & Executive Director of BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective)
- Kendis Gibson, journalist and news anchor
The PSA + Panel was also livestreamed to over 10,000 viewers through our partners at ActTV.
View the PSA Here
View the Premiere + Panel Here
It’s time we unpack these harmful norms that reinforce rape culture and what we must do to protect Black children. Share the PSA + conversation and let’s continue the conversation and push for real change in our communities.
For press inquiries or interview requests, contact press@metoomvmt.org.