We have witnessed many fascinating features about photographers: Martin Parr. Maybe the film medium naturally comes alive when presenting remarkably striking visual compositions. Today arrives a new remarkable case, directed by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, exploring the extraordinary life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, performer and civil rights advocate who embodied a distinct artistic-political approach.
In partnership with his brother Elombe, he virtually invented the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” during the mid-century era by documenting the Harlem models in Harlem: youthful African American women who became the sensational archetype for visual appeal, abandoning typical cosmetic products and the usual Eurocentric model of female beauty.
The Power of a Revolutionary Slogan
Black Is Beautiful transformed into a radical unifying message, an brilliant memorable declaration for transformation. Merely stating that people of color were beautiful emerged as a liberating force in culture, social movements and culture. The photographer emerged as part of the civil rights global Black struggle by capturing images of Muhammad Ali leading up to his legendary championship fight in that era.
He served as the official image creator for the musical group's international performances, and eventually assumed the role of the official visual chronicler for the historic Apollo theatre, creating an amazing archive of African American artists. Alongside his brother, he became the driving force behind bringing the anti-apartheid icon to address the public in New York.
Family Legacy
Brathwaite's son his namesake recounts the personal quest to achieve proper recognition for his parent's achievements after he was painfully overlooked in the prestigious National Museum of African American History and Culture, inaugurated by the former president in 2016.
The film also recounts the deeply tragic origin of Brathwaite's interest in visual storytelling: the horrendous images of Emmett Till, the adolescent African American murder victim whose mourning family member defiantly requested an public viewing so the brutal truth of racial hatred could not be concealed.
From Tragedy to Empowerment
In this representation of horror, the artist encountered a type of profound understanding that directed him toward images of community. His images powerfully conveyed community pride and typically not overtly political: he established a fresh iconography of strength around which social causes could mobilize.
It is an exhilarating testament of artistic vision that still inspire across generations.
