We have witnessed numerous compelling features focusing on photographers: Martin Parr. Perhaps the documentary format truly excels when displaying exceptionally powerful photographs. Here comes a new exceptional example, directed by filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, documenting the remarkable career of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, musician and civil rights advocate who exemplified a distinct politico-aesthetic vision.
Alongside his brother Elombe, he virtually invented the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” in the 1960s by documenting the Grandassa Models in Harlem: young African American women who transformed into the sensational template for visual appeal, abandoning typical grooming practices and the predominant white ideal of womanhood.
The Influence of Three Words
This powerful statement evolved into a transformative unifying message, an visionary memorable declaration for transformation. Simply to assert that black people possessed beauty emerged as a liberating power in culture, activism and culture. Brathwaite grew into integral to the civil rights global Black cause by capturing images of Muhammad Ali prior to his historic Zaire bout in that era.
He was appointed the exclusive image creator for the Jackson 5's continental journey, and subsequently assumed the role of the resident artist for the iconic Apollo theatre, creating an amazing collection of black musicians. In collaboration with Elombe, he became the driving force behind securing the anti-apartheid icon to speak in the community.
Personal Journey
Brathwaite's son his namesake recounts the their campaign to ensure due acknowledgment for his father's legacy after he was unjustly overlooked in the prestigious Smithsonian institution, established by Barack Obama in this century.
The film also recounts the profoundly sorrowful genesis of the photographer's dedication to image making: the disturbing photographs of the young victim, the teenage Black murder victim whose bereaved parent courageously demanded an public viewing so the brutal truth of bigoted brutality might not be covered up.
Through Darkness to Hope
In this vision of violence, Brathwaite encountered a type of profound understanding that guided him toward visual representations of beauty. His work beautifully expressed celebratory strength and typically not overtly political: he developed a new iconography of strength through which social causes could unite.
It is an inspiring chronicle of cultural impact that persists in empower across generations.
