We have witnessed countless fascinating documentaries focusing on photographers: Vivian Maier. Maybe cinematic storytelling particularly shines when displaying remarkably striking visual compositions. Now we have another exceptional example, directed by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, documenting the remarkable career of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, performer and African American activist who represented a special artistic-political vision.
In partnership with his family member Elombe, he virtually invented the expression “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the sixties by capturing the Grandassa Models in the cultural epicenter: emerging Black women who emerged as the groundbreaking standard for visual appeal, moving beyond conventional grooming practices and the predominant Caucasian standard of femininity.
The Influence of a Simple Phrase
The iconic phrase transformed into a powerful call to action, an visionary concise declaration for change. Simply stating that black people were beautiful became a transformative power in society, politics and the arts. The artist became a key figure in the Black power African diaspora movement by capturing images of Muhammad Ali leading up to his legendary Zaire bout in that era.
He served as the official image creator for the musical group's African tour, and eventually became the resident artist for the legendary cultural institution, creating an extraordinary collection of African American artists. Together with Elombe, he was the driving force behind securing Nelson Mandela to speak in the community.
Family Legacy
Brathwaite's son the younger Brathwaite shares the personal campaign to achieve due acknowledgment for his family heritage after he was unjustly overlooked in Washington DC's National Museum of African American History and Culture, opened by the political leader in this century.
The film also recounts the deeply tragic genesis of the photographer's passion for photography: the shocking photographs of Emmett Till, the teenage African American lynching victim whose bereaved parent courageously requested an public viewing so the violent nature of bigoted brutality would not be concealed.
Amidst Sorrow to Hope
Through this vision of violence, Brathwaite discovered a form of transformative realization that guided him toward images of community. His photographs beautifully expressed empowering beauty and frequently not overtly political: he curated a innovative iconography of pride through which activist groups could mobilize.
This represents an captivating testament of cultural impact that persists in empower across generations.
