There have been numerous compelling films about image makers: Martin Parr. Maybe cinematic storytelling truly excels when displaying remarkably striking still images. Now arrives another exceptional instance, directed by filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, documenting the remarkable professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, performer and African American activist who exemplified a distinct artistic-political approach.
In partnership with his brother Elombe, he effectively created the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” in the sixties by documenting the Grandassa Models in Harlem: youthful Black women who transformed into the groundbreaking archetype for aesthetics, moving beyond traditional beauty standards and the established Caucasian model of female beauty.
The Impact of Three Words
The iconic phrase evolved into a radical unifying message, an inspired concise prose poem for transformation. Merely to assert that people of color were beautiful emerged as a transformative force in art, politics and creative expression. Brathwaite became a key figure in the civil rights global Black struggle by documenting Muhammad Ali prior to his legendary Rumble in the Jungle in 1974.
He was appointed the exclusive image creator for the band's African tour, and later assumed the role of the resident artist for the iconic Apollo theatre, building an extraordinary portfolio of black musicians. In collaboration with Elombe, he became the key organizer behind arranging for Nelson Mandela to address the public in Harlem.
Family Legacy
Brathwaite's son his namesake is interviewed the personal mission to ensure proper recognition for his family heritage after he was painfully ignored in Washington DC's Smithsonian institution, established by the former president in this century.
The feature additionally explores the deeply tragic inspiration of the artist's passion for image making: the disturbing images of the lynching martyr, the teenage African American murder victim whose mourning family member defiantly requested an open coffin so the brutal truth of racist violence would not be hidden.
Amidst Sorrow to Hope
Through this representation of violence, the visionary found a form of anti-epiphany that led him toward visual representations of aspiration. His photographs powerfully conveyed community pride and frequently not overtly political: he developed a fresh iconography of empowerment upon which activist groups could unite.
It is an captivating chronicle of cultural impact that continues to empower decades later.
