History has seen many fascinating features focusing on visual artists: Martin Parr. It could be cinematic storytelling particularly shines when showcasing remarkably striking photographs. Here comes one more outstanding case, from creator Yemi Bamiro, documenting the remarkable professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, musician and African American activist who embodied a special cultural-activist approach.
Together with his brother Elombe, he virtually invented the expression “Black Is Beautiful” in the 1960s by capturing the African American women in the cultural epicenter: youthful African American women who transformed into the transformative archetype for beauty, abandoning traditional cosmetic products and the usual Eurocentric model of female beauty.
The Influence of a Simple Phrase
Black Is Beautiful evolved into a radical rallying cry, an visionary memorable manifesto for progress. Simply stating that African Americans radiated beauty emerged as a transformative force in culture, social movements and creative expression. The photographer became part of the civil rights global Black struggle by documenting the legendary boxer prior to his legendary Rumble in the Jungle in the seventies.
He became the exclusive photographer for the Jackson 5's African tour, and later assumed the role of the official visual chronicler for the historic Apollo theatre, creating an incredible collection of African American artists. Alongside his brother, he became the key organizer behind bringing the anti-apartheid icon to speak in New York.
Historical Recognition
His son the younger Brathwaite is interviewed the personal campaign to achieve proper recognition for his parent's achievements after he was unjustly overlooked in the prestigious National Museum of African American History and Culture, opened by Barack Obama in recent years.
The film further reveals the deeply tragic inspiration of the photographer's passion for visual storytelling: the disturbing photographs of the young victim, the young civil rights murder victim whose mourning family member defiantly demanded an public viewing so the violent nature of racial hatred might not be covered up.
From Tragedy to Empowerment
From this image of horror, the visionary found a form of profound understanding that guided him toward visual representations of aspiration. His images beautifully expressed celebratory strength and frequently subtle in messaging: he established a new symbolic representation of strength around which political movements could gather.
It is an captivating testament of artistic vision that still inspire decades later.
