History has seen numerous compelling features about image makers: Martin Parr. Maybe cinematic storytelling particularly shines when presenting remarkably striking still images. Here comes one more exceptional case, directed by filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the remarkable professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, artist and African American activist who represented a distinct politico-aesthetic perspective.
Together with his family member Elombe, he virtually invented the expression “Black Is Beautiful” in the mid-century era by capturing the Grandassa Models in the cultural epicenter: youthful women of color who transformed into the sensational standard for beauty, rejecting typical cosmetic products and the predominant Caucasian ideal of female beauty.
The Impact of Three Words
The iconic phrase became a radical unifying message, an visionary three-word prose poem for transformation. Merely stating that African Americans were beautiful became a empowering force in culture, activism and culture. The photographer emerged as integral to the social justice pan-Africanist cause by documenting the sports icon prior to his historic championship fight in 1974.
He served as the official visual documentarian for the Jackson 5's continental journey, and subsequently assumed the role of the official visual chronicler for the historic cultural institution, creating an incredible portfolio of black musicians. Alongside Elombe, he became the key organizer behind securing Nelson Mandela to appear in the community.
Family Legacy
Brathwaite's son the younger Brathwaite shares the their campaign to secure proper recognition for his family heritage after he was hurtfully ignored in Washington DC's National Museum of African American History and Culture, inaugurated by the former president in 2016.
This documentary additionally explores the profoundly sorrowful inspiration of Brathwaite's passion for image making: the disturbing images of Emmett Till, the adolescent Black lynching victim whose mourning family member defiantly demanded an uncovered casket so the horrific reality of bigoted brutality might not be hidden.
From Tragedy to Hope
Through this image of horror, Brathwaite discovered a form of transformative realization that guided him toward visual representations of community. His photographs powerfully conveyed community pride and typically nuanced in approach: he curated a fresh visual language of empowerment around which activist groups could mobilize.
The documentary stands as an captivating testament of creative genius that continues to empower across generations.
