There have been many fascinating features highlighting photographers: Vivian Maier. Perhaps the documentary format truly excels when showcasing exceptionally powerful still images. Today arrives one more outstanding case, directed by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, documenting the extraordinary professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, performer and social justice champion who represented a special artistic-political perspective.
In partnership with his sibling Elombe, he virtually invented the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” during the mid-century era by photographing the Harlem models in New York: young women of color who transformed into the sensational template for visual appeal, rejecting typical grooming practices and the predominant Caucasian model of womanhood.
The Influence of a Simple Phrase
Black Is Beautiful transformed into a powerful unifying message, an inspired memorable prose poem for transformation. Just stating that black people were beautiful became a empowering force in art, politics and culture. The photographer grew into part of the Black power African diaspora struggle by documenting Muhammad Ali leading up to his iconic championship fight in that era.
He became the official visual documentarian for the musical group's continental journey, and later became the house photographer for the legendary cultural institution, creating an extraordinary archive of musical pioneers. Alongside his sibling, he emerged as the driving force behind arranging for Nelson Mandela to speak in New York.
Historical Recognition
His son Kwame Jr recounts the their quest to ensure due acknowledgment for his family heritage after he was unjustly excluded in Washington DC's Smithsonian institution, established by the former president in this century.
This documentary additionally explores the deeply tragic genesis of Brathwaite's interest in image making: the horrendous pictures of the young victim, the young African American tragic figure whose bereaved parent boldly demanded an public viewing so the horrific reality of racial hatred might not be concealed.
Amidst Sorrow to Empowerment
In this vision of horror, Brathwaite found a type of anti-epiphany that directed him toward visual representations of community. His photographs beautifully expressed celebratory strength and frequently subtle in messaging: he developed a innovative visual language of empowerment through which social causes could gather.
It is an exhilarating testament of artistic vision that still empower across generations.
