We have witnessed numerous engaging features about photographers: Vivian Maier. It could be the film medium particularly shines when showcasing exceptionally powerful still images. Here we have another exceptional instance, from creator Yemi Bamiro, exploring the impressive career of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, artist and African American activist who represented a unique artistic-political vision.
Alongside his family member Elombe, he effectively created the expression “Black Is Beautiful” during the 1960s by documenting the African American women in Harlem: youthful women of color who became the sensational standard for aesthetics, moving beyond typical grooming practices and the predominant Caucasian ideal of womanhood.
The Power of a Revolutionary Slogan
This powerful statement became a radical call to action, an visionary concise manifesto for progress. Simply declaring that black people possessed beauty emerged as a empowering power in culture, social movements and creative expression. Brathwaite became integral to the Black power global Black cause by photographing the sports icon prior to his iconic Zaire bout in the seventies.
He served as the official visual documentarian for the musical group's international performances, and subsequently became the official visual chronicler for the iconic Apollo theatre, assembling an incredible archive of black musicians. In collaboration with his brother, he became the central figure behind arranging for Nelson Mandela to address the public in the community.
Historical Recognition
The photographer's offspring Kwame Jr is interviewed the personal quest to secure due acknowledgment for his father's legacy after he was unjustly overlooked in Washington DC's Smithsonian institution, inaugurated by Barack Obama in 2016.
The film also recounts the profoundly sorrowful genesis of Brathwaite's dedication to photography: the horrendous photographs of the young victim, the teenage Black tragic figure whose bereaved parent boldly demanded an uncovered casket so the violent nature of racist violence could not be hidden.
Amidst Sorrow to Empowerment
In this vision of violence, the visionary discovered a type of anti-epiphany that directed him toward visual representations of beauty. His photographs beautifully expressed celebratory strength and typically not overtly political: he curated a new visual language of pride upon which activist groups could unite.
The documentary stands as an inspiring record of cultural impact that still inspire through the years.
