History has seen numerous compelling films about image makers: Martin Parr. It could be the film medium truly excels when presenting exceptionally powerful still images. Now comes a new exceptional example, directed by creator Yemi Bamiro, exploring the remarkable professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, musician and African American activist who exemplified a unique cultural-activist vision.
In partnership with his family member Elombe, he effectively created the expression “Black Is Beautiful” during the sixties by documenting the African American women in the cultural epicenter: young Black women who transformed into the groundbreaking standard for beauty, moving beyond typical cosmetic products and the usual white standard of female beauty.
The Power of a Revolutionary Slogan
The iconic phrase transformed into a powerful unifying message, an visionary three-word declaration for change. Simply stating that people of color possessed beauty became a transformative influence in society, politics and the arts. Brathwaite emerged as part of the Black power African diaspora movement by capturing images of the legendary boxer prior to his legendary Rumble in the Jungle in the seventies.
He was appointed the official visual documentarian for the band's international performances, and later assumed the role of the resident artist for the legendary Apollo theatre, building an incredible collection of African American artists. Alongside Elombe, he emerged as the central figure behind bringing Nelson Mandela to appear in Harlem.
Personal Journey
His son Kwame Jr recounts the personal quest to achieve 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 feature additionally explores the profoundly sorrowful inspiration of the photographer's interest in visual storytelling: the horrendous images of the young victim, the teenage civil rights tragic figure whose bereaved parent defiantly insisted on an open coffin so the horrific reality of racial hatred might not be hidden.
From Tragedy to Hope
From this image of tragedy, the artist encountered a type of anti-epiphany that guided him toward photographs of beauty. His images were eloquent of empowering beauty and frequently subtle in messaging: he established a new symbolic representation of strength upon which social causes could gather.
It is an inspiring chronicle of cultural impact that continues to resonate through the years.