We have witnessed countless engaging features highlighting visual artists: Martin Parr. Perhaps cinematic storytelling particularly shines when showcasing exceptionally powerful photographs. Today arrives another exceptional instance, from filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, documenting the extraordinary life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, performer and African American activist who represented a distinct artistic-political vision.
Together with his family member Elombe, he pioneered the expression “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the mid-century era by capturing the Grandassa Models in New York: emerging African American women who emerged as the sensational standard for visual appeal, rejecting conventional cosmetic products and the predominant Caucasian model of female beauty.
The Influence of a Revolutionary Slogan
Black Is Beautiful evolved into a transformative rallying cry, an brilliant concise prose poem for change. Just declaring that African Americans were beautiful became a empowering power in culture, politics and the arts. The photographer grew into integral to the social justice global Black cause by photographing the sports icon prior to his historic Rumble in the Jungle in 1974.
He became the exclusive visual documentarian for the Jackson 5's continental journey, and subsequently was named the resident artist for the legendary Harlem venue, building an extraordinary archive of African American artists. Alongside Elombe, he became the key organizer behind securing the South African leader to speak in Harlem.
Personal Journey
Brathwaite's son Kwame Jr is interviewed the personal campaign to achieve proper recognition 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 former president in recent years.
This documentary also recounts the profoundly sorrowful inspiration of Brathwaite's interest in image making: the disturbing images of the lynching martyr, the teenage African American murder victim whose bereaved parent boldly demanded an uncovered casket so the violent nature of racial hatred might not be concealed.
Through Darkness to Beauty
From this vision of violence, Brathwaite encountered a kind of profound understanding that directed him toward visual representations of aspiration. His photographs powerfully conveyed celebratory strength and frequently subtle in messaging: he curated a fresh visual language of empowerment through which political movements could unite.
It is an inspiring chronicle of creative genius that continues to resonate through the years.
