History has seen numerous engaging films about photographers: Tish Murtha. Maybe cinematic storytelling truly excels when presenting remarkably striking visual compositions. Here arrives another remarkable example, from creator Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the remarkable life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, artist and African American activist who embodied a unique cultural-activist perspective.
In partnership with his brother Elombe, he virtually invented the expression “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the sixties by documenting the African American women in Harlem: youthful African American women who became the transformative template for beauty, moving beyond traditional cosmetic products and the predominant white model of female beauty.
The Influence of a Simple Phrase
Black Is Beautiful became a powerful unifying message, an visionary three-word declaration for transformation. Just stating that people of color radiated beauty became a liberating force in art, politics and the arts. The photographer emerged as integral to the civil rights global Black cause by capturing images of the legendary boxer prior to his iconic Rumble in the Jungle in 1974.
He became the primary photographer for the musical group's continental journey, and later assumed the role of the official visual chronicler for the historic cultural institution, creating an extraordinary portfolio of African American artists. Together with Elombe, he became the key organizer behind bringing Nelson Mandela to appear in Harlem.
Historical Recognition
Brathwaite's son his namesake shares the their mission to achieve appropriate credit for his family heritage after he was unjustly ignored in the nation's capital's Smithsonian institution, opened by Barack Obama in this century.
This documentary also recounts the deeply tragic origin of Brathwaite's interest in photography: the disturbing pictures of Emmett Till, the adolescent African American lynching victim whose mourning family member boldly insisted on an public viewing so the violent nature of bigoted brutality would not be covered up.
From Tragedy to Beauty
Through this image of violence, the artist found a form of profound understanding that directed him toward photographs of aspiration. His work powerfully conveyed celebratory strength and typically not overtly political: he curated a innovative iconography of empowerment upon which social causes could mobilize.
The documentary stands as an exhilarating chronicle of cultural impact that persists in empower through the years.
