We have witnessed countless compelling features focusing on visual artists: Martin Parr. Perhaps cinematic storytelling naturally comes alive when displaying particularly vivid still images. Now arrives a new outstanding example, by filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, documenting the impressive professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, performer and African American activist who exemplified a special artistic-political perspective.
Together with his family member Elombe, he effectively created the expression “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the mid-century era by photographing the African American women in Harlem: youthful African American women who emerged as the sensational standard for beauty, moving beyond traditional grooming practices and the usual Caucasian ideal of femininity.
The Power of Three Words
The iconic phrase became a powerful rallying cry, an inspired memorable declaration for transformation. Merely to assert that African Americans possessed beauty emerged as a transformative influence in society, politics and the arts. Brathwaite became integral to the civil rights pan-Africanist struggle by capturing images of Muhammad Ali prior to his iconic Zaire bout in that era.
He became the exclusive photographer for the musical group's international performances, and subsequently became the resident artist for the historic Apollo theatre, creating an incredible collection of black musicians. In collaboration with his brother, he emerged as the central figure behind arranging for the anti-apartheid icon to speak in New York.
Family Legacy
Brathwaite's son his namesake shares the their campaign to ensure proper recognition for his family heritage after he was painfully excluded in the nation's capital's National Museum of African American History and Culture, inaugurated by Barack Obama in 2016.
The film further reveals the deeply tragic origin of Brathwaite's interest in image making: the horrendous images of the lynching martyr, the teenage African American murder victim whose mourning family member courageously insisted on an public viewing so the horrific reality of racial hatred might not be hidden.
Amidst Sorrow to Beauty
Through this image of violence, the visionary found a kind of profound understanding that guided him toward photographs of aspiration. His images were eloquent of community pride and frequently subtle in messaging: he developed a new iconography of empowerment upon which political movements could mobilize.
The documentary stands as an exhilarating record of cultural impact that continues to empower through the years.
