We have witnessed numerous fascinating features highlighting visual artists: Vivian Maier. It could be the documentary format particularly shines when showcasing remarkably striking still images. Now comes another outstanding case, by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, documenting the remarkable career of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, performer and social justice champion who exemplified a distinct politico-aesthetic vision.
Together with his family member Elombe, he pioneered the expression “Black Is Beautiful” during the mid-century era by documenting the Grandassa Models in the cultural epicenter: young Black women who transformed into the groundbreaking template for aesthetics, abandoning typical grooming practices and the usual Eurocentric model of femininity.
The Impact of a Revolutionary Slogan
The iconic phrase evolved into a powerful call to action, an inspired three-word manifesto for transformation. Merely to assert that black people possessed beauty proved to be a transformative influence in art, social movements and creative expression. The artist grew into integral to the civil rights global Black struggle by documenting Muhammad Ali prior to his legendary championship fight in the seventies.
He served as the primary image creator for the Jackson 5's African tour, and subsequently was named the official visual chronicler for the legendary Apollo theatre, assembling an amazing archive of black musicians. In collaboration with Elombe, he was the central figure behind bringing the anti-apartheid icon to appear in New York.
Personal Journey
Brathwaite's son Kwame Jr recounts the their campaign to ensure appropriate credit for his parent's achievements after he was unjustly ignored in the nation's capital's cultural museum, inaugurated by the former president in recent years.
This documentary also recounts the deeply tragic genesis of Brathwaite's dedication to visual storytelling: the disturbing images of the lynching martyr, the young African American tragic figure whose bereaved parent courageously demanded an uncovered casket so the brutal truth of racist violence could not be hidden.
Through Darkness to Empowerment
From this vision of violence, the visionary found a kind of profound understanding that led him toward photographs of community. His photographs powerfully conveyed empowering beauty and typically subtle in messaging: he established a fresh iconography of strength around which political movements could mobilize.
This represents an exhilarating chronicle of creative genius that persists in inspire through the years.
