We have witnessed many fascinating films about image makers: Vivian Maier. Maybe cinematic storytelling naturally comes alive when presenting remarkably striking still images. Now we have one more outstanding case, by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the extraordinary life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, musician and African American activist who exemplified a distinct artistic-political vision.
In partnership with his family member Elombe, he virtually invented the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” in the 1960s by capturing the Grandassa Models in the cultural epicenter: youthful African American women who became the sensational standard for aesthetics, abandoning conventional beauty standards and the established Caucasian ideal of womanhood.
The Power of a Simple Phrase
Black Is Beautiful transformed into a radical call to action, an visionary memorable manifesto for transformation. Just declaring that black people radiated beauty proved to be a transformative influence in society, social movements and creative expression. Brathwaite emerged as integral to the civil rights pan-Africanist struggle by photographing the legendary boxer prior to his legendary Rumble in the Jungle in the seventies.
He served as the official photographer for the band's international performances, and eventually became the resident artist for the iconic Apollo theatre, assembling an incredible portfolio of African American artists. In collaboration with Elombe, he emerged as the central figure behind arranging for Nelson Mandela to appear in the community.
Family Legacy
The photographer's offspring the younger Brathwaite shares the family's quest to ensure due acknowledgment for his parent's achievements after he was painfully ignored in the prestigious cultural museum, opened by the political leader in this century.
The film additionally explores the inexpressibly painful inspiration of the photographer's interest in visual storytelling: the disturbing images of Emmett Till, the teenage civil rights tragic figure whose bereaved parent boldly requested an public viewing so the violent nature of racist violence could not be covered up.
Amidst Sorrow to Empowerment
In this vision of tragedy, the artist found a kind of profound understanding that directed him toward images of community. His photographs beautifully expressed celebratory strength and typically not overtly political: he curated a fresh symbolic representation of pride around which social causes could mobilize.
This represents an inspiring chronicle of creative genius that continues to inspire decades later.
