There have been countless fascinating films highlighting image makers: Vivian Maier. It could be cinematic storytelling particularly shines when showcasing exceptionally powerful still images. Now comes another outstanding example, directed by creator Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the extraordinary career of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, musician and social justice champion who represented a distinct politico-aesthetic vision.
In partnership with his brother Elombe, he pioneered the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” during the sixties by documenting the Harlem models in the cultural epicenter: youthful women of color who became the transformative standard for beauty, abandoning conventional grooming practices and the predominant Caucasian standard of womanhood.
The Influence of Three Words
This powerful statement evolved into a powerful call to action, an visionary three-word manifesto for change. Simply declaring that black people were beautiful emerged as a transformative force in culture, social movements and culture. The photographer grew into a key figure in the Black power African diaspora struggle by photographing the legendary boxer leading up to his historic championship fight in 1974.
He served as the primary photographer for the band's African tour, and subsequently assumed the role of the resident artist for the legendary Apollo theatre, assembling an amazing collection of African American artists. In collaboration with Elombe, he emerged as the driving force behind securing the South African leader to speak in New York.
Personal Journey
The photographer's offspring the younger Brathwaite shares the their mission to ensure appropriate credit for his father's legacy after he was hurtfully excluded in the prestigious Smithsonian institution, inaugurated by the political leader in recent years.
This documentary further reveals the profoundly sorrowful origin of the artist's interest in image making: the shocking images of Emmett Till, the young Black lynching victim whose grieving mother defiantly demanded an open coffin so the violent nature of racist violence might not be covered up.
Amidst Sorrow to Empowerment
Through this image of horror, the visionary encountered a type of transformative realization that guided him toward visual representations of beauty. His images were eloquent of empowering beauty and typically subtle in messaging: he curated a fresh visual language of strength through which social causes could gather.
It is an exhilarating testament of cultural impact that persists in resonate decades later.
