We have witnessed numerous compelling films focusing on photographers: Martin Parr. Perhaps the film medium particularly shines when presenting exceptionally powerful photographs. Today we have a new exceptional case, directed by creator Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the extraordinary professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, musician and civil rights advocate who represented a special cultural-activist perspective.
Alongside his family member Elombe, he effectively created the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” in the 1960s by photographing the African American women in New York: youthful women of color who emerged as the sensational archetype for beauty, abandoning traditional grooming practices and the usual Caucasian ideal of womanhood.
The Power of Three Words
This powerful statement transformed into a radical rallying cry, an visionary three-word declaration for transformation. Just stating that black people radiated beauty proved to be a empowering power in culture, social movements and the arts. Brathwaite became part of the civil rights global Black cause by capturing images of the legendary boxer leading up to his iconic Rumble in the Jungle in 1974.
He served as the exclusive photographer for the musical group's African tour, and later was named the official visual chronicler for the historic cultural institution, building an amazing archive of musical pioneers. Alongside Elombe, he emerged as the driving force behind bringing Nelson Mandela to appear in Harlem.
Family Legacy
The photographer's offspring Kwame Jr recounts the family's quest to secure appropriate credit for his parent's achievements after he was painfully excluded in the nation's capital's National Museum of African American History and Culture, inaugurated by the political leader in recent years.
The feature also recounts the deeply tragic inspiration of the photographer's passion for visual storytelling: the horrendous images of Emmett Till, the teenage civil rights lynching victim whose mourning family member courageously requested an uncovered casket so the horrific reality of bigoted brutality could not be covered up.
Amidst Sorrow to Beauty
From this vision of violence, the visionary encountered a kind of profound understanding that directed him toward photographs of aspiration. His images powerfully conveyed celebratory strength and frequently not overtly political: he developed a innovative iconography of strength upon which social causes could gather.
The documentary stands as an exhilarating record of cultural impact that continues to inspire through the years.
