We have witnessed numerous compelling films focusing on photographers: Tish Murtha. Perhaps cinematic storytelling naturally comes alive when showcasing remarkably striking photographs. Here comes one more outstanding example, by creator Yemi Bamiro, exploring the extraordinary career of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, performer and social justice champion who exemplified a unique artistic-political approach.
Alongside his brother Elombe, he virtually invented the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” in the 1960s by capturing the Harlem models in New York: emerging African American women who became the sensational standard for aesthetics, moving beyond conventional grooming practices and the usual white standard of female beauty.
The Influence of Three Words
This powerful statement evolved into a radical rallying cry, an inspired memorable declaration for progress. Simply declaring that African Americans possessed beauty became a transformative influence in art, social movements and culture. Brathwaite emerged as a key figure in the civil rights pan-Africanist cause by photographing the sports icon leading up to his iconic Zaire bout in the seventies.
He was appointed the primary photographer for the musical group's international performances, and eventually was named the house photographer for the iconic Harlem venue, assembling an incredible collection of African American artists. In collaboration with his sibling, he was the central figure behind bringing the South African leader to appear in Harlem.
Personal Journey
Brathwaite's son the younger Brathwaite recounts the personal mission to secure proper recognition for his family heritage after he was painfully overlooked in the prestigious cultural museum, established by the former president in 2016.
The feature further reveals the deeply tragic inspiration of Brathwaite's passion for visual storytelling: the horrendous photographs of the lynching martyr, the adolescent African American murder victim whose mourning family member courageously requested an open coffin so the horrific reality of racist violence might not be concealed.
Amidst Sorrow to Hope
In this representation of tragedy, Brathwaite found a type of anti-epiphany that led him toward images of beauty. His images were eloquent of community pride and typically subtle in messaging: he established a fresh visual language of empowerment around which social causes could gather.
The documentary stands as an captivating testament of cultural impact that continues to resonate through the years.
