There have been countless engaging features focusing on image makers: Vivian Maier. Maybe cinematic storytelling truly excels when displaying exceptionally powerful visual compositions. Here comes another remarkable instance, by creator Yemi Bamiro, documenting the impressive life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, musician and civil rights advocate who exemplified a distinct artistic-political approach.
In partnership with his sibling Elombe, he effectively created the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” during the 1960s by capturing the Grandassa Models in Harlem: emerging Black women who emerged as the sensational template for aesthetics, moving beyond conventional grooming practices and the usual Caucasian standard of female beauty.
The Power of a Revolutionary Slogan
This powerful statement transformed into a transformative rallying cry, an inspired three-word prose poem for transformation. Just declaring that African Americans were beautiful emerged as a liberating force in art, activism and the arts. The photographer became integral to the social justice global Black movement by photographing the legendary boxer prior to his iconic Rumble in the Jungle in the seventies.
He became the official photographer for the Jackson 5's continental journey, and later was named the official visual chronicler for the legendary cultural institution, assembling an amazing collection of musical pioneers. Alongside his sibling, he emerged as the driving force behind bringing the anti-apartheid icon to address the public in the community.
Personal Journey
Brathwaite's son the younger Brathwaite recounts the family's campaign to secure due acknowledgment for his father's legacy after he was hurtfully ignored in Washington DC's cultural museum, inaugurated by the former president in recent years.
This documentary additionally explores the deeply tragic genesis of the artist's interest in photography: the horrendous photographs of the lynching martyr, the teenage African American murder victim whose mourning family member boldly requested an public viewing so the horrific reality of racist violence might not be concealed.
Through Darkness to Hope
Through this vision of tragedy, the visionary found a type of profound understanding that directed him toward visual representations of community. His photographs were eloquent of empowering beauty and typically not overtly political: he curated a innovative symbolic representation of pride around which activist groups could unite.
The documentary stands as an inspiring testament of creative genius that still inspire decades later.
