We have witnessed many fascinating films focusing on image makers: Martin Parr. Perhaps the documentary format truly excels when presenting exceptionally powerful still images. Now we have another remarkable example, by creator Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the impressive professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, artist and social justice champion who exemplified a special cultural-activist vision.
In partnership with his sibling Elombe, he effectively created the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the mid-century era by documenting the Harlem models in the cultural epicenter: young African American women who emerged as the transformative archetype for visual appeal, rejecting traditional cosmetic products and the usual Eurocentric standard of female beauty.
The Influence of Three Words
The iconic phrase transformed into a powerful call to action, an visionary concise declaration for progress. Simply declaring that African Americans were beautiful became a empowering power in culture, politics and the arts. Brathwaite became integral to the social justice global Black movement by capturing images of the sports icon prior to his legendary Rumble in the Jungle in that era.
He became the exclusive photographer for the musical group's continental journey, and later was named the house photographer for the historic cultural institution, assembling an extraordinary collection of musical pioneers. Alongside his sibling, he was the central figure behind bringing the South African leader to speak in Harlem.
Historical Recognition
The photographer's offspring Kwame Jr recounts the personal campaign to secure proper recognition for his parent's achievements after he was painfully overlooked in Washington DC's Smithsonian institution, established by the political leader in this century.
This documentary also recounts the deeply tragic origin of the artist's interest in visual storytelling: the disturbing images of Emmett Till, the young Black lynching victim whose mourning family member boldly insisted on an public viewing so the brutal truth of racist violence could not be covered up.
Amidst Sorrow to Empowerment
From this vision of tragedy, Brathwaite discovered a form of transformative realization that directed him toward visual representations of aspiration. His images powerfully conveyed celebratory strength and frequently nuanced in approach: he curated a new iconography of empowerment around which political movements could mobilize.
The documentary stands as an captivating chronicle of creative genius that persists in empower across generations.
