There have been many fascinating films focusing on visual artists: Martin Parr. It could be cinematic storytelling particularly shines when displaying remarkably striking photographs. Now we have one more outstanding example, from creator Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the extraordinary professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, musician and African American activist who represented a unique cultural-activist perspective.
In partnership with his family member Elombe, he virtually invented the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” during the 1960s by capturing the Grandassa Models in the cultural epicenter: youthful Black women who emerged as the transformative archetype for aesthetics, moving beyond typical cosmetic products and the usual Caucasian ideal of female beauty.
The Impact of Three Words
The iconic phrase transformed into a transformative call to action, an visionary concise prose poem for progress. Simply stating that African Americans were beautiful became a transformative power in society, social movements and creative expression. The artist emerged as integral to the Black power global Black cause by capturing images of the sports icon prior to his historic Rumble in the Jungle in that era.
He served as the exclusive image creator for the band's continental journey, and later assumed the role of the official visual chronicler for the iconic cultural institution, building an incredible portfolio of African American artists. Alongside Elombe, he emerged as the key organizer behind securing the anti-apartheid icon to appear in New York.
Family Legacy
His son Kwame Jr shares the family's campaign to ensure proper recognition for his family heritage after he was unjustly ignored in Washington DC's cultural museum, inaugurated by Barack Obama in this century.
The film further reveals the deeply tragic origin of Brathwaite's passion for visual storytelling: the horrendous pictures of the young victim, the young Black tragic figure whose mourning family member defiantly demanded an public viewing so the violent nature of racial hatred might not be covered up.
Amidst Sorrow to Beauty
In this vision of horror, the artist discovered a kind of transformative realization that directed him toward photographs of beauty. His work beautifully expressed community pride and often nuanced in approach: he curated a fresh visual language of strength through which political movements could mobilize.
The documentary stands as an captivating chronicle of artistic vision that persists in inspire through the years.