There have been many compelling features focusing on visual artists: Vivian Maier. Maybe the documentary format naturally comes alive when displaying remarkably striking photographs. Now comes another remarkable example, by creator Yemi Bamiro, documenting the impressive career of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, musician and African American activist who embodied a distinct cultural-activist vision.
Together with his family member Elombe, he virtually invented the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” during the sixties by documenting the Harlem models in the cultural epicenter: young African American women who transformed into the transformative standard for beauty, rejecting conventional grooming practices and the usual Caucasian model of female beauty.
The Power of a Revolutionary Slogan
This powerful statement became a powerful rallying cry, an brilliant three-word prose poem for progress. Merely to assert that African Americans were beautiful emerged as a transformative influence in society, politics and creative expression. Brathwaite grew into integral to the Black power African diaspora movement by photographing the sports icon leading up to his historic Zaire bout in that era.
He became the primary image creator for the Jackson 5's continental journey, and eventually assumed the role of the resident artist for the historic Harlem venue, assembling an incredible portfolio of African American artists. Together with Elombe, he became the key organizer behind arranging for Nelson Mandela to address the public in New York.
Family Legacy
His son his namesake is interviewed the personal quest to ensure appropriate credit for his parent's achievements after he was unjustly excluded in the prestigious National Museum of African American History and Culture, inaugurated by Barack Obama in recent years.
The feature further reveals the profoundly sorrowful genesis of Brathwaite's interest in photography: the shocking photographs of Emmett Till, the young Black tragic figure whose mourning family member defiantly demanded an public viewing so the violent nature of bigoted brutality would not be covered up.
From Tragedy to Hope
In this representation of violence, the visionary encountered a kind of profound understanding that led him toward images of community. His photographs powerfully conveyed empowering beauty and often not overtly political: he established a fresh symbolic representation of strength upon which social causes could mobilize.
This represents an captivating record of creative genius that continues to inspire decades later.
