We have witnessed numerous engaging documentaries about photographers: Vivian Maier. Perhaps the film medium particularly shines when showcasing remarkably striking still images. Today arrives one more remarkable case, by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the remarkable career of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, performer and social justice champion who exemplified a special cultural-activist perspective.
In partnership with his brother Elombe, he effectively created the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” during the 1960s by documenting the African American women in Harlem: emerging African American women who became the sensational standard for beauty, abandoning traditional cosmetic products and the usual white model of womanhood.
The Power of a Simple Phrase
This powerful statement transformed into a radical rallying cry, an visionary memorable prose poem for change. Simply stating that black people were beautiful emerged as a transformative influence in society, politics and culture. The photographer grew into a key figure in the Black power African diaspora movement by documenting Muhammad Ali leading up to his legendary Rumble in the Jungle in that era.
He became the primary photographer for the band's continental journey, and eventually assumed the role of the official visual chronicler for the iconic Harlem venue, assembling an incredible archive of black musicians. Together with Elombe, he became the key organizer behind bringing the South African leader to address the public in Harlem.
Historical Recognition
His son his namesake shares the their campaign to achieve appropriate credit for his father's legacy after he was unjustly excluded in the prestigious cultural museum, inaugurated by the former president in this century.
The feature additionally explores the inexpressibly painful origin of Brathwaite's passion for photography: the disturbing photographs of the young victim, the teenage civil rights tragic figure whose bereaved parent courageously demanded an open coffin so the horrific reality of bigoted brutality would not be covered up.
Amidst Sorrow to Hope
In this image of violence, the visionary discovered a type of transformative realization that directed him toward images of beauty. His work powerfully conveyed community pride and typically not overtly political: he curated a innovative visual language of pride through which social causes could gather.
The documentary stands as an captivating chronicle of creative genius that still empower through the years.
