We have witnessed many compelling films about photographers: Vivian Maier. It could be the film medium truly excels when presenting remarkably striking still images. Today we have another exceptional instance, directed by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, documenting the remarkable career of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, performer and African American activist who embodied a distinct cultural-activist approach.
Alongside his brother Elombe, he pioneered the expression “Black Is Beautiful” in the 1960s by capturing the African American women in the cultural epicenter: youthful African American women who became the transformative template for beauty, moving beyond typical grooming practices and the predominant Eurocentric model of female beauty.
The Power of a Simple Phrase
This powerful statement transformed into a radical call to action, an inspired memorable manifesto for progress. Simply stating that African Americans radiated beauty emerged as a transformative influence in culture, social movements and the arts. The artist emerged as a key figure in the social justice pan-Africanist cause by capturing images of the legendary boxer prior to his legendary Zaire bout in that era.
He served as the primary photographer for the musical group's African tour, and eventually was named the house photographer for the iconic Apollo theatre, building an amazing collection of African American artists. In collaboration with his sibling, he was the driving force behind arranging for Nelson Mandela to address the public in Harlem.
Personal Journey
His son Kwame Jr shares the personal quest to ensure appropriate credit for his parent's achievements after he was painfully overlooked in Washington DC's Smithsonian institution, inaugurated by the former president in this century.
The feature additionally explores the inexpressibly painful origin of the photographer's passion for visual storytelling: the horrendous photographs of the young victim, the adolescent civil rights tragic figure whose grieving mother courageously insisted on an open coffin so the brutal truth of bigoted brutality might not be hidden.
From Tragedy to Beauty
Through this image of horror, the artist encountered a form of anti-epiphany that led him toward images of beauty. His images powerfully conveyed empowering beauty and frequently nuanced in approach: he established a fresh symbolic representation of strength upon which social causes could unite.
It is an inspiring testament of creative genius that still inspire across generations.
