There have been countless compelling features focusing on photographers: Vivian Maier. It could be cinematic storytelling naturally comes alive when showcasing exceptionally powerful visual compositions. Now we have one more remarkable example, by filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, exploring the impressive career of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, performer and civil rights advocate who embodied a distinct artistic-political approach.
Together with his family member Elombe, he virtually invented the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the mid-century era by photographing the African American women in New York: youthful African American women who transformed into the transformative archetype for visual appeal, abandoning conventional cosmetic products and the usual Eurocentric standard of womanhood.
The Influence of a Revolutionary Slogan
Black Is Beautiful evolved into a powerful rallying cry, an brilliant three-word prose poem for change. Merely declaring that people of color radiated beauty proved to be a liberating influence in society, politics and creative expression. The photographer emerged as a key figure in the Black power global Black struggle by documenting Muhammad Ali prior to his historic Rumble in the Jungle in 1974.
He became the primary visual documentarian for the band's international performances, and later was named the official visual chronicler for the iconic cultural institution, creating an amazing collection of African American artists. Alongside his brother, he became the driving force behind bringing the South African leader to appear in Harlem.
Historical Recognition
His son his namesake is interviewed the family's quest to achieve due acknowledgment for his parent's achievements after he was unjustly ignored in Washington DC's cultural museum, inaugurated by the political leader in 2016.
The feature also recounts the inexpressibly painful inspiration of Brathwaite's interest in photography: the horrendous photographs of the lynching martyr, the teenage Black murder victim whose mourning family member boldly demanded an uncovered casket so the brutal truth of racial hatred could not be hidden.
Through Darkness to Empowerment
In this representation of tragedy, the visionary discovered a form of profound understanding that guided him toward visual representations of aspiration. His photographs powerfully conveyed empowering beauty and frequently not overtly political: he developed a innovative iconography of strength upon which political movements could gather.
It is an captivating chronicle of artistic vision that continues to empower decades later.
