There have been many fascinating films highlighting photographers: Tish Murtha. Maybe the film medium naturally comes alive when showcasing remarkably striking still images. Now comes a new exceptional instance, directed by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, exploring the extraordinary life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, musician and civil rights advocate who exemplified a distinct cultural-activist approach.
Alongside his family member Elombe, he pioneered the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” in the 1960s by photographing the Grandassa Models in the cultural epicenter: emerging African American women who transformed into the sensational template for visual appeal, abandoning typical grooming practices and the predominant Caucasian ideal of femininity.
The Power of a Simple Phrase
This powerful statement evolved into a transformative call to action, an visionary three-word prose poem for progress. Merely stating that black people radiated beauty became a empowering influence in culture, politics and the arts. The photographer emerged as part of the Black power global Black cause by documenting the sports icon prior to his iconic Zaire bout in that era.
He was appointed the official photographer for the Jackson 5's African tour, and eventually assumed the role of the house photographer for the legendary Harlem venue, assembling an amazing portfolio of musical pioneers. Together with Elombe, he emerged as the driving force behind bringing Nelson Mandela to appear in the community.
Personal Journey
His son his namesake recounts the personal mission to secure due acknowledgment for his family heritage after he was hurtfully overlooked in the nation's capital's cultural museum, inaugurated by Barack Obama in this century.
The feature also recounts the inexpressibly painful genesis of Brathwaite's interest in visual storytelling: the disturbing photographs of the lynching martyr, the teenage Black tragic figure whose grieving mother courageously demanded an open coffin so the violent nature of bigoted brutality would not be hidden.
Through Darkness to Hope
From this vision of violence, the visionary found a kind of anti-epiphany that guided him toward photographs of beauty. His work were eloquent of celebratory strength and frequently not overtly political: he established a fresh iconography of pride upon which social causes could mobilize.
The documentary stands as an inspiring testament of creative genius that continues to resonate across generations.
