History has seen countless compelling documentaries focusing on image makers: Tish Murtha. Maybe cinematic storytelling particularly shines when presenting remarkably striking still images. Now we have one more exceptional instance, directed by creator Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the remarkable life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, musician and civil rights advocate who embodied a unique politico-aesthetic vision.
Together with his sibling Elombe, he virtually invented the expression “Black Is Beautiful” during the sixties by documenting the Grandassa Models in the cultural epicenter: emerging women of color who became the transformative standard for aesthetics, rejecting typical grooming practices and the established Caucasian model of womanhood.
The Impact of a Revolutionary Slogan
Black Is Beautiful transformed into a powerful rallying cry, an inspired concise declaration for progress. Merely stating that African Americans were beautiful proved to be a empowering power in society, social movements and culture. The photographer grew into part of the social justice global Black movement by photographing the sports icon prior to his legendary championship fight in 1974.
He was appointed the official visual documentarian for the musical group's continental journey, and later was named the official visual chronicler for the legendary cultural institution, building an extraordinary portfolio of musical pioneers. Together with his brother, he became the driving force behind arranging for Nelson Mandela to appear in Harlem.
Personal Journey
His son his namesake recounts the personal campaign to secure appropriate credit for his parent's achievements after he was hurtfully overlooked in Washington DC's cultural museum, inaugurated by Barack Obama in this century.
The film additionally explores the deeply tragic genesis of the artist's interest in visual storytelling: the disturbing photographs of Emmett Till, the young Black tragic figure whose mourning family member courageously demanded an public viewing so the brutal truth of racist violence might not be concealed.
Through Darkness to Beauty
Through this image of horror, the visionary discovered a type of transformative realization that directed him toward images of community. His images powerfully conveyed community pride and frequently not overtly political: he developed a innovative symbolic representation of empowerment through which political movements could gather.
This represents an inspiring testament of creative genius that continues to empower through the years.
