The Power of Black Beauty: A Revealing Journey of Trailblazing Photographer Kwame Brathwaite

We have witnessed countless compelling films focusing on image makers: Martin Parr. It could be the film medium naturally comes alive when showcasing particularly vivid photographs. Here arrives one more outstanding example, directed by creator Yemi Bamiro, exploring the remarkable professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, performer and African American activist who exemplified a unique artistic-political approach.

In partnership with his family member Elombe, he virtually invented the expression “Black Is Beautiful” during the sixties by capturing the Harlem models in the cultural epicenter: young Black women who became the sensational standard for visual appeal, abandoning typical cosmetic products and the predominant Caucasian standard of womanhood.

The Power of a Simple Phrase

This powerful statement became a transformative call to action, an inspired three-word declaration for progress. Merely declaring that black people radiated beauty proved to be a liberating force in culture, politics and creative expression. The photographer emerged as a key figure in the social justice global Black movement by documenting the legendary boxer leading up to his legendary Zaire bout in the seventies.

He was appointed the exclusive visual documentarian for the Jackson 5's international performances, and subsequently became the resident artist for the iconic Apollo theatre, assembling an amazing archive of black musicians. In collaboration with his sibling, he became the key organizer behind arranging for Nelson Mandela to speak in the community.

Personal Journey

Brathwaite's son the younger Brathwaite recounts the family's campaign to ensure due acknowledgment for his father's legacy after he was unjustly ignored in the prestigious Smithsonian institution, inaugurated by the former president in 2016.

The feature additionally explores the deeply tragic origin of the photographer's interest in image making: the horrendous photographs of the young victim, the adolescent Black murder victim whose bereaved parent courageously insisted on an public viewing so the horrific reality of racial hatred would not be covered up.

Amidst Sorrow to Empowerment

In this vision of tragedy, Brathwaite discovered a kind of anti-epiphany that guided him toward visual representations of beauty. His images were eloquent of empowering beauty and frequently subtle in messaging: he curated a fresh iconography of pride upon which social causes could gather.

This represents an exhilarating testament of creative genius that continues to resonate across generations.