The Beauty of Blackness: The Inspiring Tale of Game-Changing Photographer Kwame Brathwaite

There have been numerous engaging features highlighting visual artists: Vivian Maier. Perhaps the documentary format naturally comes alive when showcasing exceptionally powerful still images. Now we have another remarkable instance, directed by creator Yemi Bamiro, documenting the remarkable career of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, performer and civil rights advocate who represented a special politico-aesthetic approach.

Alongside his family member Elombe, he virtually invented the expression “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the sixties by photographing the Harlem models in the cultural epicenter: young women of color who transformed into the transformative template for visual appeal, rejecting traditional cosmetic products and the established Caucasian model of femininity.

The Influence of a Revolutionary Slogan

The iconic phrase became a radical unifying message, an inspired three-word prose poem for progress. Just stating that people of color were beautiful became a liberating power in society, social movements and culture. The photographer became integral to the social justice global Black movement by capturing images of Muhammad Ali prior to his historic Zaire bout in 1974.

He was appointed the exclusive photographer for the Jackson 5's African tour, and eventually assumed the role of the official visual chronicler for the legendary cultural institution, creating an extraordinary portfolio of black musicians. Together with Elombe, he was the driving force behind securing the anti-apartheid icon to speak in Harlem.

Personal Journey

His son the younger Brathwaite recounts the personal mission to ensure proper recognition for his parent's achievements after he was unjustly excluded in the prestigious cultural museum, opened by the former president in this century.

The feature also recounts the deeply tragic origin of the photographer's dedication to visual storytelling: the disturbing images of the lynching martyr, the young civil rights murder victim whose grieving mother courageously demanded an open coffin so the violent nature of bigoted brutality would not be covered up.

Through Darkness to Empowerment

Through this representation of horror, the visionary encountered a form of profound understanding that guided him toward visual representations of beauty. His photographs beautifully expressed celebratory strength and typically subtle in messaging: he established a fresh symbolic representation of empowerment upon which activist groups could mobilize.

It is an inspiring chronicle of cultural impact that continues to resonate through the years.