There have been countless engaging features highlighting photographers: Vivian Maier. Maybe the film medium truly excels when showcasing remarkably striking still images. Today we have one more exceptional case, from writer-director Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the remarkable professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, artist and social justice champion who exemplified a unique politico-aesthetic perspective.
In partnership with his sibling Elombe, he pioneered the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the mid-century era by documenting the African American women in Harlem: young African American women who emerged as the sensational template for aesthetics, rejecting typical cosmetic products and the usual white model of female beauty.
The Influence of Three Words
The iconic phrase transformed into a powerful unifying message, an visionary memorable manifesto for change. Simply to assert that black people were beautiful became a transformative influence in society, activism and culture. The artist became part of the Black power African diaspora movement by capturing images of the sports icon leading up to his iconic championship fight in 1974.
He was appointed the official visual documentarian for the musical group's African tour, and later was named the house photographer for the legendary cultural institution, creating an incredible archive of musical pioneers. Alongside his sibling, he was the central figure behind bringing the South African leader to appear in New York.
Personal Journey
His son Kwame Jr shares the personal quest to achieve appropriate credit for his father's legacy after he was hurtfully ignored in Washington DC's National Museum of African American History and Culture, opened by the political leader in this century.
The film further reveals the deeply tragic origin of the artist's dedication to image making: the shocking photographs of the lynching martyr, the young civil rights murder victim whose mourning family member boldly requested an uncovered casket so the horrific reality of bigoted brutality would not be covered up.
Through Darkness to Empowerment
In this image of tragedy, the artist found a kind of profound understanding that led him toward visual representations of aspiration. His photographs powerfully conveyed celebratory strength and typically subtle in messaging: he curated a fresh symbolic representation of pride upon which political movements could mobilize.
The documentary stands as an inspiring record of cultural impact that continues to resonate decades later.
