There have been numerous fascinating films about photographers: Vivian Maier. Perhaps the documentary format naturally comes alive when showcasing remarkably striking photographs. Now comes another outstanding example, directed by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, exploring the extraordinary life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, musician and civil rights advocate who embodied a unique politico-aesthetic approach.
In partnership with his brother Elombe, he virtually invented the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” during the mid-century era by capturing the African American women in Harlem: emerging Black women who transformed into the transformative template for beauty, abandoning conventional cosmetic products and the predominant white ideal of womanhood.
The Power of a Revolutionary Slogan
This powerful statement became a radical call to action, an brilliant concise manifesto for transformation. Merely stating that black people radiated beauty became a transformative force in art, politics and creative expression. The photographer emerged as part of the Black power pan-Africanist movement by photographing Muhammad Ali leading up to his legendary Rumble in the Jungle in 1974.
He was appointed the primary image creator for the Jackson 5's international performances, and eventually assumed the role of the resident artist for the historic Harlem venue, assembling an amazing portfolio of black musicians. Alongside his brother, he became the key organizer behind bringing the anti-apartheid icon to address the public in the community.
Personal Journey
His son his namesake shares the their mission to achieve due acknowledgment for his family heritage after he was hurtfully ignored in the nation's capital's National Museum of African American History and Culture, inaugurated by Barack Obama in this century.
The film further reveals the inexpressibly painful origin of Brathwaite's dedication to visual storytelling: the shocking pictures of the lynching martyr, the young civil rights tragic figure whose mourning family member boldly requested an uncovered casket so the violent nature of racial hatred might not be concealed.
Amidst Sorrow to Beauty
In this vision of tragedy, Brathwaite found a form of profound understanding that led him toward photographs of beauty. His work were eloquent of empowering beauty and frequently nuanced in approach: he established a innovative iconography of strength upon which social causes could unite.
It is an captivating record of creative genius that still empower across generations.
