History has seen numerous fascinating films about image makers: Martin Parr. Maybe the film medium naturally comes alive when displaying particularly vivid still images. Now we have another outstanding example, directed by filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, documenting the impressive career of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, musician and civil rights advocate who embodied a special cultural-activist approach.
In partnership with his sibling Elombe, he virtually invented the expression “Black Is Beautiful” during the 1960s by documenting the Grandassa Models in New York: emerging Black women who became the sensational archetype for visual appeal, abandoning typical cosmetic products and the established Caucasian ideal of femininity.
The Influence of a Revolutionary Slogan
The iconic phrase became a powerful unifying message, an visionary memorable manifesto for progress. Simply declaring that African Americans were beautiful proved to be a transformative power in culture, politics and the arts. The artist emerged as integral to the social justice African diaspora struggle by photographing Muhammad Ali before his legendary championship fight in 1974.
He was appointed the exclusive photographer for the Jackson 5's continental journey, and eventually assumed the role of the house photographer for the legendary cultural institution, assembling an incredible collection of black musicians. In collaboration with Elombe, he was the driving force behind bringing Nelson Mandela to appear in New York.
Personal Journey
His son his namesake recounts the family's campaign to secure proper recognition for his father's legacy after he was unjustly ignored in Washington DC's cultural museum, established by the former president in this century.
The film further reveals the deeply tragic inspiration of the photographer's interest in image making: the horrendous images of Emmett Till, the young Black tragic figure whose grieving mother courageously insisted on an open coffin so the brutal truth of bigoted brutality could not be hidden.
Amidst Sorrow to Hope
From this vision of violence, the visionary encountered a type of profound understanding that directed him toward visual representations of community. His images beautifully expressed empowering beauty and frequently subtle in messaging: he established a fresh iconography of empowerment around which activist groups could unite.
This represents an exhilarating record of cultural impact that continues to empower through the years.
