History has seen numerous compelling features highlighting photographers: Vivian Maier. Maybe the documentary format naturally comes alive when showcasing particularly vivid photographs. Now we have one more outstanding case, directed by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, exploring the impressive career of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, artist and social justice champion who embodied a unique cultural-activist perspective.
In partnership with his family member Elombe, he pioneered the expression “Black Is Beautiful” in the mid-century era by photographing the Grandassa Models in New York: emerging Black women who transformed into the groundbreaking archetype for beauty, abandoning conventional beauty standards and the predominant Eurocentric ideal of femininity.
The Influence of a Revolutionary Slogan
Black Is Beautiful transformed into a powerful rallying cry, an visionary three-word manifesto for change. Simply stating that people of color possessed beauty became a liberating power in art, activism and the arts. The artist grew into part of the Black power African diaspora struggle by documenting the legendary boxer before his legendary championship fight in 1974.
He served as the official visual documentarian for the Jackson 5's African tour, and subsequently was named the official visual chronicler for the legendary Apollo theatre, assembling an incredible collection of black musicians. Alongside Elombe, he emerged as the key organizer behind securing Nelson Mandela to appear in New York.
Historical Recognition
His son his namesake recounts the family's campaign to achieve appropriate credit for his parent's achievements after he was painfully ignored in the prestigious National Museum of African American History and Culture, opened by the political leader in 2016.
This documentary further reveals the profoundly sorrowful origin of Brathwaite's passion for visual storytelling: the horrendous photographs of the young victim, the adolescent Black lynching victim whose grieving mother boldly demanded an open coffin so the violent nature of bigoted brutality could not be concealed.
Amidst Sorrow to Beauty
In this image of horror, the artist discovered a type of transformative realization that directed him toward images of aspiration. His images beautifully expressed celebratory strength and frequently not overtly political: he curated a innovative visual language of empowerment around which political movements could unite.
This represents an captivating record of cultural impact that persists in resonate across generations.
