There have been numerous fascinating films about image makers: Vivian Maier. Perhaps the film medium truly excels when showcasing exceptionally powerful photographs. Now arrives another outstanding case, from creator Yemi Bamiro, exploring the remarkable life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, musician and social justice champion who exemplified a special politico-aesthetic perspective.
Together with his sibling Elombe, he effectively created the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the mid-century era by capturing the Harlem models in Harlem: young women of color who transformed into the sensational standard for beauty, moving beyond conventional cosmetic products and the predominant white model of female beauty.
The Influence of a Simple Phrase
Black Is Beautiful evolved into a radical rallying cry, an visionary memorable declaration for progress. Merely declaring that people of color radiated beauty proved to be a transformative power in society, activism and the arts. Brathwaite grew into a key figure in the Black power global Black cause by capturing images of Muhammad Ali prior to his historic Rumble in the Jungle in that era.
He was appointed the official photographer for the musical group's international performances, and later was named the official visual chronicler for the legendary Harlem venue, creating an amazing portfolio of musical pioneers. In collaboration with his brother, he was the key organizer behind arranging for Nelson Mandela to speak in the community.
Family Legacy
His son the younger Brathwaite shares the their mission to secure proper recognition for his father's legacy after he was hurtfully ignored in Washington DC's Smithsonian institution, opened by the former president in this century.
The film also recounts the inexpressibly painful genesis of Brathwaite's passion for photography: the horrendous images of the young victim, the teenage civil rights murder victim whose bereaved parent defiantly demanded an public viewing so the violent nature of racial hatred could not be covered up.
From Tragedy to Empowerment
Through this image of horror, Brathwaite discovered a kind of anti-epiphany that led him toward images of beauty. His photographs beautifully expressed empowering beauty and frequently nuanced in approach: he developed a new visual language of empowerment around which political movements could gather.
This represents an captivating chronicle of artistic vision that continues to inspire through the years.
