History has seen numerous compelling documentaries focusing on image makers: Tish Murtha. Perhaps cinematic storytelling naturally comes alive when presenting particularly vivid photographs. Today comes one more exceptional case, directed by creator Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the remarkable professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, performer and African American activist who embodied a special cultural-activist vision.
In partnership with his family member Elombe, he pioneered the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” in the mid-century era by documenting the Grandassa Models in the cultural epicenter: emerging women of color who became the groundbreaking standard for visual appeal, abandoning conventional beauty standards and the established Caucasian model of femininity.
The Power of a Simple Phrase
The iconic phrase transformed into a transformative call to action, an inspired memorable manifesto for transformation. Simply declaring that African Americans radiated beauty emerged as a liberating influence in culture, activism and creative expression. The photographer emerged as a key figure in the social justice pan-Africanist movement by capturing images of the sports icon leading up to his iconic Zaire bout in that era.
He was appointed the official image creator for the Jackson 5's international performances, and later was named the house photographer for the legendary Harlem venue, assembling an incredible collection of musical pioneers. Alongside his brother, he emerged as the driving force behind arranging for the South African leader to address the public in New York.
Historical Recognition
The photographer's offspring the younger Brathwaite shares the personal mission to achieve proper recognition for his family heritage after he was unjustly ignored in Washington DC's cultural museum, inaugurated by the political leader in 2016.
This documentary further reveals the inexpressibly painful genesis of Brathwaite's interest in visual storytelling: the horrendous images of Emmett Till, the young African American murder victim whose mourning family member defiantly insisted on an public viewing so the brutal truth of racist violence might not be concealed.
Amidst Sorrow to Empowerment
From this representation of violence, the visionary found a form of anti-epiphany that directed him toward photographs of community. His work powerfully conveyed celebratory strength and often subtle in messaging: he curated a new symbolic representation of pride upon which political movements could gather.
It is an exhilarating chronicle of creative genius that continues to resonate across generations.
