We have witnessed countless compelling documentaries about photographers: Martin Parr. Maybe cinematic storytelling naturally comes alive when presenting remarkably striking still images. Now arrives one more outstanding example, from writer-director Yemi Bamiro, documenting the remarkable professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, artist and social justice champion who represented a distinct artistic-political approach.
In partnership with his brother Elombe, he effectively created the expression “Black Is Beautiful” in the sixties by documenting the Grandassa Models in the cultural epicenter: young Black women who emerged as the groundbreaking archetype for visual appeal, moving beyond traditional beauty standards and the usual white model of femininity.
The Power of a Revolutionary Slogan
This powerful statement transformed into a transformative call to action, an brilliant three-word manifesto for progress. Just stating that people of color possessed beauty proved to be a liberating influence in society, social movements and creative expression. The photographer emerged as a key figure in the social justice global Black cause by photographing the sports icon prior to his legendary championship fight in the seventies.
He became the exclusive visual documentarian for the Jackson 5's international performances, and later became the resident artist for the legendary cultural institution, assembling an incredible archive of African American artists. In collaboration with his sibling, he emerged as the central figure behind arranging for the South African leader to speak in New York.
Personal Journey
Brathwaite's son his namesake shares the personal campaign to ensure proper recognition for his family heritage after he was painfully ignored in the nation's capital's National Museum of African American History and Culture, established by the former president in 2016.
The film also recounts the deeply tragic origin of the artist's dedication to image making: the shocking pictures of the lynching martyr, the adolescent civil rights murder victim whose bereaved parent courageously insisted on an open coffin so the violent nature of bigoted brutality could not be covered up.
Through Darkness to Hope
Through this representation of violence, the artist discovered a type of profound understanding that led him toward visual representations of aspiration. His images were eloquent of celebratory strength and typically nuanced in approach: he curated a fresh visual language of strength around which political movements could mobilize.
The documentary stands as an exhilarating testament of cultural impact that persists in resonate across generations.
