There have been countless fascinating documentaries about photographers: Tish Murtha. It could be the documentary format naturally comes alive when showcasing exceptionally powerful photographs. Here comes one more exceptional example, directed by creator Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the impressive life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, performer and African American activist who represented a distinct artistic-political perspective.
Alongside his sibling Elombe, he pioneered the expression “Black Is Beautiful” during the mid-century era by capturing the African American women in Harlem: emerging African American women who became the transformative archetype for aesthetics, moving beyond traditional cosmetic products and the predominant Eurocentric standard of female beauty.
The Power of a Simple Phrase
This powerful statement became a powerful unifying message, an inspired memorable declaration for change. Merely stating that African Americans possessed beauty became a transformative force in culture, politics and culture. Brathwaite emerged as part of the civil rights global Black movement by photographing Muhammad Ali leading up to his historic Rumble in the Jungle in that era.
He became the primary image creator for the band's continental journey, and subsequently assumed the role of the resident artist for the legendary cultural institution, assembling an incredible portfolio of black musicians. Together with his sibling, he became the key organizer behind bringing the South African leader to appear in New York.
Personal Journey
His son the younger Brathwaite recounts the family's mission to achieve due acknowledgment for his father's legacy after he was painfully excluded in the prestigious National Museum of African American History and Culture, inaugurated by Barack Obama in recent years.
The feature also recounts the deeply tragic origin of the photographer's passion for visual storytelling: the horrendous photographs of the lynching martyr, the teenage African American murder victim whose bereaved parent courageously demanded an public viewing so the violent nature of bigoted brutality could not be concealed.
From Tragedy to Hope
In this image of horror, the artist encountered a form of anti-epiphany that led him toward images of aspiration. His images beautifully expressed celebratory strength and typically subtle in messaging: he established a fresh iconography of pride through which political movements could gather.
This represents an inspiring chronicle of artistic vision that continues to empower through the years.
