History has seen numerous engaging films about visual artists: Tish Murtha. Maybe the documentary format naturally comes alive when showcasing exceptionally powerful still images. Now arrives another remarkable example, directed by filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, exploring the remarkable professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, artist and social justice champion who exemplified a special politico-aesthetic perspective.
Together with his brother Elombe, he virtually invented the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” during the sixties by photographing the Grandassa Models in Harlem: youthful Black women who transformed into the sensational standard for visual appeal, abandoning conventional cosmetic products and the predominant Eurocentric ideal of femininity.
The Influence of a Simple Phrase
The iconic phrase evolved into a transformative rallying cry, an visionary three-word declaration for progress. Just stating that people of color possessed beauty proved to be a transformative force in society, politics and culture. The photographer became part of the social justice African diaspora cause by capturing images of the legendary boxer prior to his iconic championship fight in 1974.
He served as the official photographer for the Jackson 5's continental journey, and subsequently was named the house photographer for the iconic Harlem venue, creating an incredible portfolio of African American artists. In collaboration with his brother, he emerged as the key organizer behind bringing the South African leader to address the public in the community.
Historical Recognition
His son his namesake shares the their mission to ensure appropriate credit for his father's legacy after he was unjustly excluded in the nation's capital's National Museum of African American History and Culture, inaugurated by Barack Obama in this century.
The feature also recounts the deeply tragic origin of the photographer's dedication to photography: the horrendous photographs of the young victim, the adolescent civil rights murder victim whose mourning family member courageously requested an public viewing so the brutal truth of bigoted brutality could not be concealed.
Amidst Sorrow to Empowerment
Through this image of tragedy, Brathwaite encountered a form of anti-epiphany that led him toward photographs of aspiration. His images powerfully conveyed community pride and frequently not overtly political: he curated a fresh iconography of strength around which activist groups could unite.
The documentary stands as an captivating testament of creative genius that continues to empower through the years.
