We have witnessed many compelling documentaries highlighting image makers: Tish Murtha. It could be cinematic storytelling particularly shines when displaying remarkably striking still images. Here we have a new remarkable example, from filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, documenting the impressive life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, artist and social justice champion who embodied a distinct cultural-activist perspective.
Alongside his family member Elombe, he effectively created the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the 1960s by documenting the Grandassa Models in New York: emerging women of color who became the sensational standard for aesthetics, abandoning traditional cosmetic products and the predominant white standard of womanhood.
The Influence of a Revolutionary Slogan
This powerful statement became a powerful call to action, an brilliant memorable declaration for transformation. Just to assert that people of color radiated beauty proved to be a transformative power in art, social movements and culture. Brathwaite became a key figure in the social justice African diaspora struggle by capturing images of Muhammad Ali leading up to his legendary Zaire bout in 1974.
He became the exclusive image creator for the Jackson 5's African tour, and later became the resident artist for the legendary Apollo theatre, building an amazing archive of African American artists. In collaboration with his brother, he became the key organizer behind securing the South African leader to appear in New York.
Personal Journey
The photographer's offspring the younger Brathwaite recounts the their quest to secure due acknowledgment for his family heritage after he was hurtfully excluded in Washington DC's National Museum of African American History and Culture, opened by Barack Obama in 2016.
The feature further reveals the inexpressibly painful genesis of the artist's dedication to image making: the disturbing pictures of Emmett Till, the adolescent civil rights tragic figure whose mourning family member defiantly requested an uncovered casket so the violent nature of racial hatred could not be concealed.
Through Darkness to Empowerment
In this vision of horror, the artist found a form of transformative realization that directed him toward images of beauty. His work powerfully conveyed community pride and often subtle in messaging: he curated a fresh iconography of empowerment upon which activist groups could mobilize.
This represents an inspiring chronicle of creative genius that persists in empower through the years.
