Renowned photographer and activist Kwame Brathwaite has passed away at the age of 85. The iconic figure was a pioneer in the 'Black is Beautiful' movement of the 1960s, which sought to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote Afrocentricity.
Born in Brooklyn in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants, Brathwaite's family moved frequently during his childhood, eventually settling in Harlem where he developed an interest in photography at a young age. He was heavily influenced by David Jackson's powerful image of Emmett Till's open casket and the work of African American artists, which sparked his passion for capturing the beauty of Black people.
Through his photography, Brathwaite aimed to create a sense of community and solidarity among Black Americans. One of his most significant contributions was the concept of 'Grandassa Models,' young Black women who posed nude in a celebration of their natural hair and features. The Grandassa Model's first fashion show, held in Harlem in 1962, would become an annual event until 1992.
Brathwaite's photography extended beyond the realm of beauty to capture iconic moments in music history. He documented performances by jazz legends like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk, as well as travels with the Jackson Five, including a historic boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. His work also captured legendary figures such as Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, Bob Marley, and Joanne Petit-Frère.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite continued to push boundaries and challenge traditional norms through the lens of 'Black is Beautiful.' In 2016, he joined the Philip Martin Gallery in Los Angeles, and just two years prior, he had been photographing commissions for The New Yorker. A retrospective exhibition of his work traveled to the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas, in 2021.
Despite struggling with poor health, which made it impossible to be interviewed for T Magazine's profile in 2021, Brathwaite's legacy lives on through his body of work, inspiring new generations of artists and activists. His death marks a loss not just for the photography world but also for the 'Black is Beautiful' movement that he helped shape and define.
Born in Brooklyn in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants, Brathwaite's family moved frequently during his childhood, eventually settling in Harlem where he developed an interest in photography at a young age. He was heavily influenced by David Jackson's powerful image of Emmett Till's open casket and the work of African American artists, which sparked his passion for capturing the beauty of Black people.
Through his photography, Brathwaite aimed to create a sense of community and solidarity among Black Americans. One of his most significant contributions was the concept of 'Grandassa Models,' young Black women who posed nude in a celebration of their natural hair and features. The Grandassa Model's first fashion show, held in Harlem in 1962, would become an annual event until 1992.
Brathwaite's photography extended beyond the realm of beauty to capture iconic moments in music history. He documented performances by jazz legends like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk, as well as travels with the Jackson Five, including a historic boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. His work also captured legendary figures such as Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, Bob Marley, and Joanne Petit-Frère.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite continued to push boundaries and challenge traditional norms through the lens of 'Black is Beautiful.' In 2016, he joined the Philip Martin Gallery in Los Angeles, and just two years prior, he had been photographing commissions for The New Yorker. A retrospective exhibition of his work traveled to the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas, in 2021.
Despite struggling with poor health, which made it impossible to be interviewed for T Magazine's profile in 2021, Brathwaite's legacy lives on through his body of work, inspiring new generations of artists and activists. His death marks a loss not just for the photography world but also for the 'Black is Beautiful' movement that he helped shape and define.
just heard about Kwame Brathwaite passing away at 85... what an incredible legacy he leaves behind 
his work with Grandassa Models was so empowering, celebrating Black women's beauty in a time when it was so needed 
I'm also loving the pics of him documenting music history - Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk were total rockstars 
Brathwaite's commitment to showcasing Afrocentricity and challenging traditional beauty standards is still so relevant today 
his influence can be seen in so many artists and activists now 
I'm not sure what to make of this "Black is Beautiful" movement Kwame Brathwaite was all about. On one hand, it's awesome that he wanted to challenge traditional beauty standards and promote Afrocentricity. But on the other hand, isn't the idea of beauty in the skin tone and features subjective and culturally relative? I mean, what does "beautiful" even mean to someone who doesn't look like a white Eurocentric ideal? 
Anyway, I guess Kwame Brathwaite's legacy is still worth acknowledging... but let's keep having a nuanced conversation about these issues, not just celebrating his contributions. 
... Kwame Brathwaite was an absolute legend in my eyes 
, his work still blows me away even today 
. I mean can you imagine being part of a time when 'Black is Beautiful' wasn't even on people's radar? 
But this guy came along and flipped that script on its head 
, capturing the essence of Black culture in all its beauty and complexity 
.
, inspired by young Black women to celebrate their natural hair and features, breaking all those traditional beauty standards that had been holding us back for so long 
. And let's not forget the epic portraits of music legends 
, even when it was hard or uncomfortable 
. He knew that his lens had power and used it to challenge norms and break glass ceilings 
. And now we're all better off because of him 
his photos are iconic, like, who else could make black hair look so beautiful 
it's crazy to think about how much of an impact one person can have on society through their work 
. Kwame Brathwaite's work is still giving me chills, especially his Grandassa Model photos - they're like a time capsule of black female empowerment 
. I've always admired how he used photography as a tool to bring people together and celebrate our differences 
my heart goes out to his family & all those who were inspired by him ... the way he celebrated blackness & beauty in his photos is truly something special 
his legacy will live on through the many amazing ppl he captured on camera - like miles davis, john coltrane & stevie wonder 
it's wild to think about how much impact one person can have with their work ... anyway, just wanted to say RIP kwame brathwaite 
. Plus, can we talk about how all these iconic figures he photographed are still kinda problematic today? I mean, think about it... Miles Davis was a total narcissist, and Muhammad Ali was known for being super racist towards black people who disagreed with him. It's like, let's not forget the dark side of history, you know?
. It's a shame he couldn't be around longer to see the impact his photography has had, but his legacy will keep on living through his pics 
.