We have witnessed numerous compelling films highlighting visual artists: Tish Murtha. Maybe the documentary format naturally comes alive when showcasing remarkably striking still images. Now arrives a new remarkable instance, from filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the extraordinary career of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, artist and social justice champion who embodied a distinct artistic-political perspective.
Alongside his sibling Elombe, he effectively created the expression “Black Is Beautiful” during the 1960s by photographing the Grandassa Models in New York: young Black women who became the transformative archetype for visual appeal, abandoning typical cosmetic products and the predominant Eurocentric standard of femininity.
The Impact of Three Words
This powerful statement evolved into a radical unifying message, an inspired three-word prose poem for change. Just stating that African Americans radiated beauty became a empowering force in art, activism and creative expression. The photographer became part of the social justice global Black cause by documenting Muhammad Ali prior to his historic Rumble in the Jungle in that era.
He served as the exclusive visual documentarian for the musical group's international performances, and subsequently assumed the role of the official visual chronicler for the legendary Apollo theatre, creating an amazing archive of African American artists. Alongside Elombe, he was the central figure behind securing Nelson Mandela to speak in the community.
Personal Journey
Brathwaite's son the younger Brathwaite recounts the personal mission to achieve proper recognition for his father's legacy after he was painfully ignored in the prestigious Smithsonian institution, opened by the political leader in this century.
The feature additionally explores the deeply tragic origin of Brathwaite's passion for image making: the shocking photographs of Emmett Till, the young Black murder victim whose mourning family member courageously requested an open coffin so the brutal truth of racist violence could not be concealed.
Amidst Sorrow to Hope
From this image of tragedy, the visionary encountered a kind of profound understanding that directed him toward visual representations of community. His photographs powerfully conveyed empowering beauty and typically nuanced in approach: he developed a new symbolic representation of empowerment upon which political movements could mobilize.
The documentary stands as an captivating testament of creative genius that persists in empower through the years.
