We have witnessed numerous fascinating documentaries focusing on photographers: Tish Murtha. Perhaps the film medium naturally comes alive when showcasing remarkably striking photographs. Now arrives one more remarkable example, by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the extraordinary career of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, performer and social justice champion who exemplified a unique cultural-activist vision.
In partnership with his brother Elombe, he effectively created the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the 1960s by capturing the Harlem models in Harlem: youthful African American women who emerged as the groundbreaking archetype for aesthetics, moving beyond conventional cosmetic products and the predominant white model of femininity.
The Impact of a Simple Phrase
Black Is Beautiful transformed into a powerful rallying cry, an inspired three-word declaration for transformation. Merely stating that black people radiated beauty emerged as a transformative power in culture, social movements and creative expression. The photographer grew into a key figure in the Black power global Black cause by documenting the legendary boxer before his legendary Zaire bout in the seventies.
He became the primary visual documentarian for the band's African tour, and subsequently was named the resident artist for the historic Harlem venue, building an extraordinary collection of black musicians. Alongside his sibling, he became the central figure behind securing Nelson Mandela to appear in the community.
Historical Recognition
His son the younger Brathwaite recounts the family's mission to achieve appropriate credit for his parent's achievements after he was unjustly ignored in Washington DC's cultural museum, inaugurated by the political leader in this century.
The film further reveals the profoundly sorrowful genesis of the photographer's dedication to photography: the horrendous pictures of the young victim, the adolescent Black lynching victim whose mourning family member boldly requested an uncovered casket so the violent nature of racial hatred might not be hidden.
From Tragedy to Hope
In this vision of violence, the artist found a type of anti-epiphany that directed him toward photographs of beauty. His work were eloquent of empowering beauty and typically subtle in messaging: he curated a new visual language of empowerment through which political movements could unite.
It is an exhilarating testament of cultural impact that continues to empower through the years.
