We have witnessed numerous engaging films about visual artists: Vivian Maier. It could be cinematic storytelling naturally comes alive when displaying remarkably striking photographs. Today arrives another exceptional instance, from creator Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the extraordinary career of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, artist and social justice champion who exemplified a unique politico-aesthetic approach.
Together with his sibling Elombe, he pioneered the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” in the sixties by photographing the Harlem models in the cultural epicenter: young African American women who became the sensational archetype for beauty, abandoning traditional cosmetic products and the usual Caucasian standard of female beauty.
The Impact of a Simple Phrase
Black Is Beautiful became a radical call to action, an visionary three-word prose poem for change. Just stating that African Americans were beautiful emerged as a liberating influence in culture, politics and culture. Brathwaite became part of the social justice global Black struggle by photographing Muhammad Ali leading up to his historic championship fight in 1974.
He was appointed the official photographer for the band's African tour, and subsequently became the official visual chronicler for the legendary Apollo theatre, creating an extraordinary collection of musical pioneers. Alongside his sibling, he emerged as the central figure behind arranging for the anti-apartheid icon to appear in the community.
Historical Recognition
Brathwaite's son the younger Brathwaite shares the their campaign to achieve appropriate credit for his family heritage after he was unjustly overlooked in the prestigious National Museum of African American History and Culture, opened by the former president in this century.
This documentary additionally explores the inexpressibly painful genesis of Brathwaite's passion for image making: the horrendous images of Emmett Till, the young civil rights tragic figure whose bereaved parent boldly insisted on an open coffin so the violent nature of bigoted brutality would not be concealed.
Through Darkness to Beauty
From this image of violence, Brathwaite found a type of anti-epiphany that guided him toward images of beauty. His images were eloquent of celebratory strength and frequently not overtly political: he curated a innovative visual language of pride upon which activist groups could unite.
It is an captivating testament of cultural impact that continues to resonate across generations.
