Black Is Beautiful: The Inspiring Story of Trailblazing Photographer Kwame Brathwaite

There have been numerous engaging features about photographers: Martin Parr. It could be the documentary format particularly shines when showcasing particularly vivid photographs. Now we have one more exceptional case, directed by filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the impressive life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, artist and social justice champion who embodied a special cultural-activist perspective.

Alongside his brother Elombe, he effectively created the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” during the 1960s by capturing the Grandassa Models in the cultural epicenter: youthful African American women who transformed into the groundbreaking standard for aesthetics, moving beyond conventional cosmetic products and the predominant Eurocentric standard of femininity.

The Impact of a Revolutionary Slogan

The iconic phrase became a powerful call to action, an visionary memorable manifesto for change. Just declaring that black people radiated beauty emerged as a liberating force in art, activism and culture. The photographer emerged as integral to the Black power African diaspora cause by capturing images of the legendary boxer before his historic Zaire bout in 1974.

He was appointed the official visual documentarian for the Jackson 5's African tour, and later became the official visual chronicler for the historic Harlem venue, creating an amazing portfolio of musical pioneers. Alongside Elombe, he was the driving force behind bringing Nelson Mandela to speak in Harlem.

Historical Recognition

The photographer's offspring his namesake recounts the their quest to ensure appropriate credit for his parent's achievements after he was unjustly overlooked in Washington DC's Smithsonian institution, inaugurated by the political leader in 2016.

The feature also recounts the profoundly sorrowful inspiration of Brathwaite's dedication to image making: the horrendous images of Emmett Till, the adolescent civil rights tragic figure whose bereaved parent courageously insisted on an open coffin so the violent nature of racist violence could not be concealed.

Through Darkness to Hope

In this representation of tragedy, the visionary encountered a type of profound understanding that led him toward images of aspiration. His images powerfully conveyed empowering beauty and typically not overtly political: he curated a new iconography of empowerment around which political movements could mobilize.

This represents an exhilarating record of artistic vision that still resonate across generations.