History has seen countless compelling features focusing on image makers: Martin Parr. Maybe the documentary format particularly shines when showcasing particularly vivid visual compositions. Now we have one more remarkable case, from writer-director Yemi Bamiro, documenting the extraordinary career of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, artist and civil rights advocate who exemplified a unique politico-aesthetic perspective.
Alongside his sibling Elombe, he virtually invented the expression “Black Is Beautiful” in the 1960s by photographing the African American women in Harlem: young women of color who emerged as the groundbreaking archetype for visual appeal, moving beyond typical beauty standards and the predominant Caucasian model of female beauty.
The Power of a Revolutionary Slogan
The iconic phrase transformed into a transformative call to action, an visionary memorable manifesto for progress. Simply declaring that African Americans possessed beauty became a liberating power in culture, social movements and culture. The artist emerged as integral to the social justice African diaspora struggle by photographing Muhammad Ali before his legendary championship fight in that era.
He was appointed the primary visual documentarian for the musical group's African tour, and later assumed the role of the resident artist for the historic Apollo theatre, creating an incredible portfolio of black musicians. Alongside his brother, he emerged as the central figure behind arranging for the anti-apartheid icon to appear in New York.
Historical Recognition
The photographer's offspring his namesake recounts the family's quest to achieve proper recognition for his father's legacy after he was hurtfully ignored in the prestigious National Museum of African American History and Culture, established by Barack Obama in this century.
This documentary additionally explores the profoundly sorrowful genesis of the artist's interest in photography: the disturbing images of Emmett Till, the adolescent African American murder victim whose grieving mother defiantly requested an public viewing so the violent nature of racial hatred might not be covered up.
From Tragedy to Empowerment
Through this representation of tragedy, the artist encountered a type of profound understanding that led him toward images of aspiration. His photographs were eloquent of community pride and frequently not overtly political: he established a fresh iconography of empowerment around which activist groups could mobilize.
The documentary stands as an inspiring testament of cultural impact that persists in resonate through the years.
