History has seen countless compelling documentaries highlighting photographers: Martin Parr. Maybe the film medium naturally comes alive when displaying particularly vivid still images. Now comes another remarkable case, from filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, documenting the remarkable life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, artist and African American activist who represented a distinct artistic-political perspective.
Alongside his sibling Elombe, he virtually invented the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” in the sixties by capturing the Grandassa Models in New York: youthful women of color who became the transformative archetype for visual appeal, moving beyond conventional beauty standards and the predominant Caucasian standard of femininity.
The Impact of a Revolutionary Slogan
The iconic phrase became a powerful unifying message, an inspired memorable declaration for progress. Just declaring that black people radiated beauty became a empowering influence in art, politics and culture. Brathwaite grew into integral to the social justice global Black struggle by documenting the legendary boxer leading up to his legendary championship fight in that era.
He served as the exclusive image creator for the Jackson 5's African tour, and subsequently was named the resident artist for the legendary Harlem venue, creating an amazing portfolio of African American artists. Alongside Elombe, he emerged as the central figure behind arranging for Nelson Mandela to appear in New York.
Personal Journey
His son the younger Brathwaite shares the family's mission to secure proper recognition for his parent's achievements after he was hurtfully excluded in the nation's capital's National Museum of African American History and Culture, opened by the political leader in recent years.
The film further reveals the deeply tragic genesis of the artist's dedication to photography: the disturbing photographs of Emmett Till, the adolescent Black murder victim whose bereaved parent boldly demanded an uncovered casket so the horrific reality of bigoted brutality might not be hidden.
From Tragedy to Beauty
From this representation of tragedy, the artist encountered a type of transformative realization that directed him toward images of beauty. His work powerfully conveyed community pride and often subtle in messaging: he established a innovative symbolic representation of strength around which social causes could gather.
The documentary stands as an inspiring testament of creative genius that still empower decades later.
