History has seen numerous engaging features focusing on image makers: Vivian Maier. It could be cinematic storytelling naturally comes alive when displaying particularly vivid still images. Here arrives another exceptional case, by creator Yemi Bamiro, documenting the extraordinary career of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, artist and social justice champion who exemplified a distinct cultural-activist approach.
In partnership with his family member Elombe, he pioneered the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” in the 1960s by photographing the Grandassa Models in Harlem: youthful Black women who emerged as the sensational standard for visual appeal, rejecting typical grooming practices and the established Eurocentric standard of womanhood.
The Power of a Revolutionary Slogan
The iconic phrase evolved into a radical unifying message, an inspired concise declaration for change. Merely to assert that African Americans were beautiful proved to be a empowering influence in culture, activism and the arts. The photographer grew into a key figure in the civil rights global Black struggle by photographing Muhammad Ali prior to his legendary Zaire bout in 1974.
He served as the exclusive photographer for the musical group's international performances, and later was named the official visual chronicler for the iconic Apollo theatre, building an extraordinary portfolio of musical pioneers. In collaboration with his brother, he was the key organizer behind arranging for the South African leader to appear in Harlem.
Family Legacy
His son the younger Brathwaite is interviewed the their campaign to secure proper recognition for his family heritage after he was hurtfully ignored in Washington DC's cultural museum, opened by the political leader in 2016.
The film further reveals the inexpressibly painful origin of the photographer's interest in image making: the disturbing images of Emmett Till, the adolescent Black murder victim whose mourning family member defiantly insisted on an public viewing so the horrific reality of racial hatred might not be covered up.
Through Darkness to Empowerment
In this representation of tragedy, the artist discovered a form of profound understanding that led him toward visual representations of beauty. His images powerfully conveyed empowering beauty and frequently not overtly political: he established a fresh symbolic representation of pride around which activist groups could mobilize.
The documentary stands as an exhilarating record of cultural impact that continues to inspire through the years.
