History has seen countless fascinating documentaries focusing on image makers: Tish Murtha. It could be cinematic storytelling particularly shines when presenting exceptionally powerful photographs. Now comes one more outstanding case, by creator Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the remarkable career of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, musician and African American activist who represented a unique politico-aesthetic approach.
In partnership with his brother Elombe, he effectively created the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” during the mid-century era by capturing the Harlem models in the cultural epicenter: youthful African American women who transformed into the groundbreaking standard for aesthetics, rejecting typical cosmetic products and the predominant Eurocentric model of female beauty.
The Influence of a Revolutionary Slogan
This powerful statement transformed into a powerful rallying cry, an brilliant three-word declaration for change. Merely stating that black people possessed beauty proved to be a transformative influence in society, activism and the arts. Brathwaite grew into part of the Black power global Black cause by documenting the legendary boxer before his legendary championship fight in that era.
He served as the exclusive visual documentarian for the musical group's African tour, and subsequently assumed the role of the resident artist for the legendary cultural institution, assembling an amazing archive of black musicians. Alongside his sibling, he became the central figure behind bringing the anti-apartheid icon to speak in New York.
Family Legacy
The photographer's offspring the younger Brathwaite shares the family's quest to ensure appropriate credit for his father's legacy after he was hurtfully ignored in Washington DC's National Museum of African American History and Culture, opened by the political leader in this century.
The film also recounts the deeply tragic origin of the photographer's interest in visual storytelling: the horrendous photographs of the young victim, the adolescent Black murder victim whose mourning family member boldly demanded an open coffin so the horrific reality of bigoted brutality might not be covered up.
Through Darkness to Beauty
From this representation of violence, the visionary found a kind of anti-epiphany that led him toward photographs of community. His work beautifully expressed community pride and often subtle in messaging: he developed a innovative iconography of strength upon which political movements could mobilize.
The documentary stands as an exhilarating testament of artistic vision that still empower decades later.
