There have been countless engaging documentaries highlighting photographers: Vivian Maier. Maybe cinematic storytelling truly excels when showcasing particularly vivid photographs. Today comes another outstanding example, directed by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, documenting the extraordinary career of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, artist and African American activist who embodied a special artistic-political perspective.
Alongside his family member Elombe, he pioneered the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the mid-century era by capturing the Grandassa Models in Harlem: youthful African American women who emerged as the transformative archetype for visual appeal, rejecting conventional beauty standards and the predominant Caucasian ideal of womanhood.
The Power of a Revolutionary Slogan
The iconic phrase evolved into a powerful rallying cry, an visionary memorable prose poem for change. Just declaring that black people possessed beauty proved to be a empowering force in culture, social movements and the arts. The artist grew into part of the social justice global Black movement by photographing Muhammad Ali before his historic Rumble in the Jungle in the seventies.
He was appointed the exclusive image creator for the Jackson 5's international performances, and eventually was named the official visual chronicler for the iconic Harlem venue, building an incredible portfolio of black musicians. In collaboration with his brother, he became the central figure behind bringing the anti-apartheid icon to address the public in Harlem.
Historical Recognition
Brathwaite's son Kwame Jr recounts the personal quest to secure due acknowledgment for his father's legacy after he was painfully ignored in the prestigious Smithsonian institution, opened by the political leader in recent years.
The feature also recounts the profoundly sorrowful inspiration of the artist's interest in visual storytelling: the shocking photographs of the lynching martyr, the adolescent civil rights lynching victim whose bereaved parent boldly demanded an public viewing so the violent nature of bigoted brutality could not be hidden.
Amidst Sorrow to Beauty
From this representation of violence, Brathwaite found a type of profound understanding that directed him toward images of community. His work powerfully conveyed community pride and frequently not overtly political: he curated a new symbolic representation of strength upon which political movements could gather.
This represents an exhilarating chronicle of artistic vision that continues to inspire across generations.
