Kwame Brathwaite, Renowned Photographer Behind 'Black is Beautiful' Movement, Dies at 85
The world of photography has lost a luminary with the passing of Kwame Brathwaite, the 85-year-old artist behind the iconic "Black is Beautiful" movement. Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants in New York, Brathwaite's journey into photography was shaped by pivotal moments that ignited his passion for capturing the essence of Black culture.
One such moment came in 1955 when he encountered David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till's open casket. This experience sparked a sense of purpose within him to tell stories through images, particularly those that celebrated and amplified Black beauty. Brathwaite's path was further illuminated by the discovery of a young photographer taking pictures in a Harlem jazz club without a flash – an epiphany that set his creative journey ablaze.
As Brathwaite honed his craft, he began to use his photography as a tool for activism and social change. Alongside the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS), he co-founded the Grandassa Models, a group of young Black women who embodied the essence of Black beauty and pride. The "Naturally '62" fashion show, held in 1962, was an early manifestation of this movement, showcasing models who refused to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite's work has been characterized by its commitment to celebrating Blackness and challenging societal norms. He photographed jazz legends like Miles Davis and John Coltrane, as well as iconic figures such as Nina Simone and Stevie Wonder. His photography also traveled far beyond the realms of music, capturing the essence of popular Black culture.
One of Brathwaite's most significant contributions to the art world is his development of a technique that deepened the depth and richness of Black skin in his images. This skill, honed over years of experimentation in his Harlem apartment darkroom, allowed him to coax vibrant colors from his subjects that were both captivating and empowering.
By the 1970s, Brathwaite's focus shifted towards other forms of popular Black music. He traveled to Africa with the Jackson Five and documented their tour, while also capturing the historic "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.
Despite his passing at 85, Kwame Brathwaite's legacy continues to thrive. Recent exhibitions, including one currently on view at the Art Institute of Chicago, have reaffirmed his place as a trailblazer in the world of photography. His body of work serves as a testament to the enduring power of art to challenge and transform societal norms.
As we bid farewell to this visionary photographer, his images remain an indelible mark on our collective cultural consciousness – a reminder of the beauty, strength, and resilience that define the Black experience.
The world of photography has lost a luminary with the passing of Kwame Brathwaite, the 85-year-old artist behind the iconic "Black is Beautiful" movement. Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants in New York, Brathwaite's journey into photography was shaped by pivotal moments that ignited his passion for capturing the essence of Black culture.
One such moment came in 1955 when he encountered David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till's open casket. This experience sparked a sense of purpose within him to tell stories through images, particularly those that celebrated and amplified Black beauty. Brathwaite's path was further illuminated by the discovery of a young photographer taking pictures in a Harlem jazz club without a flash – an epiphany that set his creative journey ablaze.
As Brathwaite honed his craft, he began to use his photography as a tool for activism and social change. Alongside the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS), he co-founded the Grandassa Models, a group of young Black women who embodied the essence of Black beauty and pride. The "Naturally '62" fashion show, held in 1962, was an early manifestation of this movement, showcasing models who refused to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite's work has been characterized by its commitment to celebrating Blackness and challenging societal norms. He photographed jazz legends like Miles Davis and John Coltrane, as well as iconic figures such as Nina Simone and Stevie Wonder. His photography also traveled far beyond the realms of music, capturing the essence of popular Black culture.
One of Brathwaite's most significant contributions to the art world is his development of a technique that deepened the depth and richness of Black skin in his images. This skill, honed over years of experimentation in his Harlem apartment darkroom, allowed him to coax vibrant colors from his subjects that were both captivating and empowering.
By the 1970s, Brathwaite's focus shifted towards other forms of popular Black music. He traveled to Africa with the Jackson Five and documented their tour, while also capturing the historic "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.
Despite his passing at 85, Kwame Brathwaite's legacy continues to thrive. Recent exhibitions, including one currently on view at the Art Institute of Chicago, have reaffirmed his place as a trailblazer in the world of photography. His body of work serves as a testament to the enduring power of art to challenge and transform societal norms.
As we bid farewell to this visionary photographer, his images remain an indelible mark on our collective cultural consciousness – a reminder of the beauty, strength, and resilience that define the Black experience.
it's crazy to think he was 85 & still killing the photography game even in his last years i mean can u imagine if our school had a photography club like ajass back in the day it would've been lit 
. But you know what's even more beautiful? The legacy he left behind 
. I mean, think about it - this guy spent his life celebrating and amplifying Black culture, challenging societal norms, and empowering others to do the same 
. That's what we need more of in this world, right?
. He refused to conform to Eurocentric standards of beauty and instead celebrated the rich diversity of Black culture. And you know what? It worked 
.
. Like, how important it is to use our talents and skills to make a positive impact on the world 
. Or how embracing your true self and celebrating what makes you different is key to finding happiness and fulfillment 
.
. He may be gone, but his spirit lives on through the countless people he inspired and the art he created 
.
! I mean, 85 years old and he was still killing it in the art world. His "Black is Beautiful" movement was so ahead of its time, you know? It's crazy to think about how much more representation we have now, but guys like Brathwaite paved the way for all of us 
. His photos are still giving me major inspiration and motivation to keep pushing boundaries in my own creative space 
. Rest in peace, Kwame 
just heard about Kwame Brathwaite's passing at 85, what a legend! 
. The "Black is Beautiful" movement was way ahead of its time, and it's amazing that he helped spark a cultural shift 
. His legacy lives on through the artists and activists he inspired 
. And what about all those exhibitions popping up recently? Just a bunch of PR stunt to keep his name in the spotlight, right? 
. There's more to this story than meets the eye...
kwame brathwaite was like a legend in photography he brought so much life to black culture through his lens his "black is beautiful" movement changed the game for so many young people back in the day 
it's crazy how his work still holds up today, like, you can look at his pics from 1962 and they're still fire 
keep pushin those boundaries, kwame 
. On the other hand, I totally get why people are celebrating him - he did play a huge role in challenging societal norms and amplifying Black beauty, which is still super important today 
. And don't even get me started on how some of his later work is just straight-up touristy 
.
IT JUST GOES TO SHOW THAT ART CAN BE SUCH A POWERFUL MEDIUM FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD.
. kwame brathwaite was more than just a photographer, he was a movement 
. the way he made black skin pop in his images is still unmatched to this day 
. His work is still so relevant today, it's crazy! I mean, have you seen those pics of Miles Davis and Stevie Wonder? They're like timeless masterpieces 
. Brathwaite's technique was all about capturing the depth and richness of Black skin, and it's a skill that's still inspiring artists today 
and I'm low-key worried that we're being fed this watered-down history to keep the narrative tidy 
