We have witnessed countless compelling documentaries about image makers: Tish Murtha. Perhaps the documentary format naturally comes alive when showcasing exceptionally powerful visual compositions. Now we have one more remarkable example, directed by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, documenting the impressive life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, performer and social justice champion who exemplified a unique politico-aesthetic perspective.
In partnership with his family member Elombe, he effectively created the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” during the 1960s by documenting the African American women in Harlem: young Black women who emerged as the sensational archetype for beauty, moving beyond traditional grooming practices and the usual Eurocentric model of womanhood.
The Impact of a Revolutionary Slogan
This powerful statement became a radical unifying message, an visionary three-word manifesto for transformation. Simply to assert that black people possessed beauty proved to be a empowering influence in culture, activism and the arts. The photographer emerged as integral to the Black power global Black struggle by documenting Muhammad Ali leading up to his iconic championship fight in 1974.
He served as the official image creator for the band's continental journey, and eventually became the resident artist for the legendary Harlem venue, assembling an amazing archive of African American artists. Alongside Elombe, he became the key organizer behind bringing the South African leader to appear in the community.
Family Legacy
His son his namesake recounts the family's quest to ensure proper recognition for his family heritage after he was hurtfully overlooked in Washington DC's National Museum of African American History and Culture, opened by the political leader in 2016.
This documentary also recounts the profoundly sorrowful inspiration of the artist's dedication to visual storytelling: the horrendous images of Emmett Till, the young African American tragic figure whose mourning family member defiantly insisted on an public viewing so the violent nature of racial hatred would not be hidden.
Amidst Sorrow to Hope
From this vision of horror, Brathwaite found a form of anti-epiphany that guided him toward visual representations of aspiration. His photographs beautifully expressed empowering beauty and typically nuanced in approach: he curated a new iconography of empowerment upon which activist groups could unite.
This represents an exhilarating testament of creative genius that still empower across generations.
