History has seen many compelling features about photographers: Vivian Maier. Maybe cinematic storytelling particularly shines when showcasing remarkably striking visual compositions. Here arrives another remarkable instance, directed by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, exploring the impressive life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, artist and African American activist who exemplified a distinct cultural-activist approach.
In partnership with his sibling Elombe, he virtually invented the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” during the 1960s by capturing the African American women in the cultural epicenter: young Black women who became the transformative archetype for beauty, abandoning traditional cosmetic products and the established Caucasian ideal of womanhood.
The Impact of a Revolutionary Slogan
This powerful statement became a powerful rallying cry, an visionary three-word declaration for change. Simply declaring that people of color radiated beauty emerged as a liberating power in culture, activism and culture. The photographer emerged as part of the Black power global Black struggle by capturing images of the legendary boxer prior to his legendary Zaire bout in 1974.
He became the official visual documentarian for the musical group's international performances, and later became the house photographer for the historic cultural institution, building an amazing collection of African American artists. Alongside his sibling, he emerged as the central figure behind bringing the South African leader to speak in New York.
Historical Recognition
The photographer's offspring his namesake recounts the personal mission to achieve appropriate credit for his father's legacy after he was hurtfully ignored in Washington DC's Smithsonian institution, opened by Barack Obama in recent years.
This documentary also recounts the inexpressibly painful genesis of the photographer's dedication to photography: the disturbing photographs of the young victim, the young African American murder victim whose bereaved parent defiantly demanded an open coffin so the brutal truth of racial hatred could not be concealed.
From Tragedy to Hope
From this representation of violence, Brathwaite found a type of profound understanding that guided him toward photographs of aspiration. His photographs powerfully conveyed community pride and typically nuanced in approach: he established a new visual language of strength upon which political movements could mobilize.
It is an inspiring record of creative genius that persists in resonate across generations.
