History has seen many fascinating documentaries focusing on image makers: Martin Parr. It could be cinematic storytelling naturally comes alive when presenting exceptionally powerful still images. Today we have a new outstanding instance, from writer-director Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the impressive career of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, performer and social justice champion who exemplified a special cultural-activist vision.
Together with his brother Elombe, he pioneered the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the mid-century era by documenting the Grandassa Models in Harlem: youthful women of color who transformed into the groundbreaking standard for beauty, moving beyond typical cosmetic products and the established white standard of womanhood.
The Power of Three Words
This powerful statement evolved into a transformative call to action, an inspired memorable manifesto for change. Simply to assert that black people radiated beauty became a liberating power in culture, activism and creative expression. The photographer became part of the civil rights pan-Africanist struggle by photographing Muhammad Ali leading up to his legendary Rumble in the Jungle in the seventies.
He became the official visual documentarian for the musical group's continental journey, and eventually was named the resident artist for the iconic Harlem venue, creating an amazing archive of black musicians. In collaboration with his sibling, he became the key organizer behind arranging for the South African leader to address the public in Harlem.
Personal Journey
The photographer's offspring his namesake shares the family's mission to secure proper recognition for his family heritage after he was unjustly overlooked in the prestigious cultural museum, opened by the political leader in this century.
This documentary also recounts the profoundly sorrowful origin of the artist's dedication to visual storytelling: the horrendous images of the young victim, the young African American lynching victim whose mourning family member defiantly insisted on an uncovered casket so the horrific reality of racial hatred would not be concealed.
From Tragedy to Beauty
Through this image of horror, the visionary encountered a kind of profound understanding that guided him toward images of beauty. His photographs were eloquent of community pride and typically nuanced in approach: he developed a innovative symbolic representation of pride through which activist groups could gather.
It is an inspiring chronicle of creative genius that continues to empower across generations.
