There have been numerous compelling documentaries about image makers: Martin Parr. Perhaps the documentary format naturally comes alive when showcasing remarkably striking still images. Today arrives one more remarkable case, by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the remarkable career of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, performer and civil rights advocate who represented a distinct politico-aesthetic vision.
Alongside his family member Elombe, he virtually invented the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” in the 1960s by capturing the Harlem models in New York: youthful African American women who emerged as the sensational standard for aesthetics, rejecting typical cosmetic products and the predominant white model of female beauty.
The Impact of a Simple Phrase
The iconic phrase evolved into a transformative call to action, an visionary three-word declaration for progress. Just to assert that people of color radiated beauty became a liberating power in culture, social movements and creative expression. The artist became part of the social justice pan-Africanist struggle by capturing images of the legendary boxer leading up to his legendary championship fight in that era.
He served as the primary visual documentarian for the musical group's African tour, and subsequently was named the official visual chronicler for the legendary cultural institution, creating an amazing collection of black musicians. In collaboration with Elombe, he was the key organizer behind bringing Nelson Mandela to speak in Harlem.
Personal Journey
The photographer's offspring the younger Brathwaite recounts the personal mission to achieve proper recognition for his parent's achievements after he was hurtfully overlooked in the nation's capital's cultural museum, established by Barack Obama in this century.
The feature additionally explores the deeply tragic inspiration of Brathwaite's passion for photography: the disturbing images of the lynching martyr, the teenage civil rights tragic figure whose bereaved parent defiantly requested an uncovered casket so the brutal truth of racial hatred would not be covered up.
Through Darkness to Beauty
From this image of tragedy, the artist discovered a type of profound understanding that directed him toward photographs of aspiration. His photographs powerfully conveyed community pride and typically not overtly political: he established a innovative symbolic representation of strength upon which social causes could unite.
It is an exhilarating record of creative genius that still empower across generations.
