We have witnessed numerous engaging films about image makers: Martin Parr. Perhaps the documentary format naturally comes alive when presenting exceptionally powerful still images. Now arrives another remarkable case, from creator Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the impressive life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, artist and African American activist who represented a distinct cultural-activist approach.
Together with his family member Elombe, he virtually invented the expression “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the 1960s by documenting the Harlem models in New York: emerging Black women who emerged as the sensational archetype for aesthetics, rejecting traditional cosmetic products and the predominant white model of womanhood.
The Power of a Simple Phrase
Black Is Beautiful transformed into a powerful unifying message, an visionary memorable prose poem for change. Simply declaring that people of color were beautiful proved to be a liberating force in society, activism and the arts. The photographer became integral to the social justice global Black struggle by photographing the sports icon leading up to his historic Rumble in the Jungle in the seventies.
He served as the official image creator for the Jackson 5's international performances, and eventually became the resident artist for the legendary Apollo theatre, creating an incredible collection of musical pioneers. Together with his brother, he became the central figure behind arranging for the South African leader to address the public in New York.
Family Legacy
His son Kwame Jr is interviewed the their quest to achieve appropriate credit for his parent's achievements after he was hurtfully overlooked in Washington DC's National Museum of African American History and Culture, established by Barack Obama in this century.
This documentary also recounts the profoundly sorrowful origin of the artist's interest in photography: the shocking pictures of Emmett Till, the adolescent African American murder victim whose mourning family member boldly requested an open coffin so the violent nature of racial hatred could not be concealed.
Through Darkness to Hope
In this vision of horror, the artist encountered a type of anti-epiphany that directed him toward images of community. His photographs were eloquent of empowering beauty and often nuanced in approach: he established a new iconography of pride around which political movements could mobilize.
The documentary stands as an captivating testament of artistic vision that persists in inspire across generations.
