We have witnessed numerous engaging films focusing on image makers: Vivian Maier. Maybe the film medium particularly shines when showcasing exceptionally powerful visual compositions. Now we have a new outstanding example, directed by creator Yemi Bamiro, documenting the remarkable career of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, performer and social justice champion who represented a distinct politico-aesthetic approach.
Together with his sibling Elombe, he pioneered the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” during the 1960s by capturing the Grandassa Models in Harlem: youthful Black women who became the transformative template for aesthetics, abandoning typical cosmetic products and the established white standard of femininity.
The Influence of a Simple Phrase
This powerful statement evolved into a radical unifying message, an inspired concise prose poem for change. Just stating that people of color were beautiful emerged as a empowering force in society, activism and the arts. The photographer emerged as integral to the social justice pan-Africanist cause by documenting Muhammad Ali prior to his iconic Zaire bout in that era.
He served as the primary image creator for the band's African tour, and subsequently became the house photographer for the iconic Harlem venue, assembling an incredible portfolio of African American artists. Together with his brother, he became the key organizer behind securing the South African leader to speak in New York.
Historical Recognition
The photographer's offspring his namesake is interviewed the family's campaign to ensure appropriate credit for his family heritage after he was hurtfully excluded in Washington DC's cultural museum, opened by Barack Obama in this century.
The film additionally explores the deeply tragic genesis of the artist's passion for image making: the horrendous pictures of the young victim, the adolescent civil rights lynching victim whose grieving mother boldly requested an uncovered casket so the brutal truth of racial hatred would not be hidden.
Amidst Sorrow to Empowerment
From this image of horror, the artist discovered a kind of anti-epiphany that led him toward photographs of community. His work powerfully conveyed celebratory strength and typically subtle in messaging: he curated a innovative symbolic representation of pride upon which activist groups could gather.
The documentary stands as an inspiring chronicle of creative genius that continues to resonate decades later.
