History has seen numerous compelling documentaries about photographers: Martin Parr. Perhaps cinematic storytelling naturally comes alive when showcasing particularly vivid visual compositions. Now arrives another outstanding example, directed by filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, documenting the extraordinary career of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, artist and social justice champion who exemplified a unique artistic-political vision.
Together with his brother Elombe, he pioneered the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” during the mid-century era by capturing the African American women in the cultural epicenter: young women of color who became the transformative standard for visual appeal, rejecting traditional cosmetic products and the predominant white ideal of femininity.
The Impact of a Revolutionary Slogan
Black Is Beautiful evolved into a powerful call to action, an inspired three-word prose poem for transformation. Just declaring that African Americans radiated beauty proved to be a transformative force in culture, politics and creative expression. The artist emerged as a key figure in the Black power African diaspora cause by photographing the legendary boxer prior to his iconic Rumble in the Jungle in the seventies.
He became the exclusive image creator for the Jackson 5's African tour, and eventually assumed the role of the official visual chronicler for the legendary Harlem venue, assembling an extraordinary portfolio of African American artists. Alongside his sibling, he emerged as the key organizer behind securing the South African leader to speak in Harlem.
Family Legacy
His son Kwame Jr recounts the their mission to ensure due acknowledgment for his father's legacy after he was painfully excluded in Washington DC's Smithsonian institution, inaugurated by the political leader in recent years.
The feature also recounts the deeply tragic inspiration of the photographer's interest in image making: the shocking images of the young victim, the adolescent civil rights tragic figure whose grieving mother boldly requested an open coffin so the horrific reality of bigoted brutality could not be covered up.
From Tragedy to Empowerment
From this vision of horror, the artist encountered a form of profound understanding that directed him toward photographs of community. His images powerfully conveyed community pride and typically nuanced in approach: he developed a innovative visual language of strength upon which political movements could unite.
It is an exhilarating testament of cultural impact that still resonate decades later.
