Renowned Photographer and Activist Kwame Brathwaite Passes Away at 85
Kwame Brathwaite, a pioneering photographer and activist whose work played a pivotal role in shaping the "Black is Beautiful" movement of the 1960s, has passed away on April 1st at the age of 85. Brathwaite's son announced his father's death in an Instagram post, describing him as "the patriarch of our family, our rock and my hero."
Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants in New York, Brathwaite's journey into photography began with a chance encounter with David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till in open casket. The experience sparked his passion for capturing the beauty and essence of Black culture through his lens. Alongside his brother Elombe, he co-founded the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS), where he developed his photography skills and became determined to challenge Eurocentric beauty standards.
Brathwaite's photographs of "Grandassa Models," young Black women who embodied natural beauty, gained significant attention in the 1960s. His work not only celebrated Black skin but also humanized its significance. In 1962, he organized "Naturally '62," a fashion show that became an annual event until 1992. The photographs of Sikolo Brathwaite, his wife whom he married in 1966, are some of his most iconic works.
Throughout the decades, Brathwaite's focus shifted from jazz to other forms of popular Black music. He documented the Jackson Five's tour and photographed historic events like the "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Commissions included Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, Bob Marley, and many more.
In 2016, Brathwaite joined Philip Martin Gallery in Los Angeles, and his photographs continued to be commissioned as recently as 2018 for The New Yorker. Despite struggling with poor health, which prevented him from participating in an interview, a retrospective exhibition of his work is currently underway at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Brathwaite's legacy extends far beyond his photographs; he helped shape the narrative of Black beauty and identity. His contributions to photography are undeniable, leaving behind a vast collection that continues to inspire new generations of artists, activists, and enthusiasts alike.
Kwame Brathwaite, a pioneering photographer and activist whose work played a pivotal role in shaping the "Black is Beautiful" movement of the 1960s, has passed away on April 1st at the age of 85. Brathwaite's son announced his father's death in an Instagram post, describing him as "the patriarch of our family, our rock and my hero."
Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants in New York, Brathwaite's journey into photography began with a chance encounter with David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till in open casket. The experience sparked his passion for capturing the beauty and essence of Black culture through his lens. Alongside his brother Elombe, he co-founded the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS), where he developed his photography skills and became determined to challenge Eurocentric beauty standards.
Brathwaite's photographs of "Grandassa Models," young Black women who embodied natural beauty, gained significant attention in the 1960s. His work not only celebrated Black skin but also humanized its significance. In 1962, he organized "Naturally '62," a fashion show that became an annual event until 1992. The photographs of Sikolo Brathwaite, his wife whom he married in 1966, are some of his most iconic works.
Throughout the decades, Brathwaite's focus shifted from jazz to other forms of popular Black music. He documented the Jackson Five's tour and photographed historic events like the "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. Commissions included Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, Bob Marley, and many more.
In 2016, Brathwaite joined Philip Martin Gallery in Los Angeles, and his photographs continued to be commissioned as recently as 2018 for The New Yorker. Despite struggling with poor health, which prevented him from participating in an interview, a retrospective exhibition of his work is currently underway at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Brathwaite's legacy extends far beyond his photographs; he helped shape the narrative of Black beauty and identity. His contributions to photography are undeniable, leaving behind a vast collection that continues to inspire new generations of artists, activists, and enthusiasts alike.
85 is old, but I guess Kwame Brathwaite lived a full life. It's wild he was inspired by Emmett Till's open casket pic... Talk about a powerful moment to spark passion for photography. He helped redefine beauty standards and it's dope his work continues to inspire new gen's of creatives. 
His contributions to the "Black is Beautiful" movement can't be overstated, especially back in the 60s when representation was super scarce. Rest in peace, I guess we won't see many more pics from him...
Kwame Brathwaite was more than just a photographer, he was a movement in himself 
He captured the essence of Black culture in a time when it needed representation the most 
His "Black is Beautiful" campaign still resonates today, challenging traditional beauty standards and giving voice to the voices that were silenced 
It's a shame we lost him too soon at 85, but his legacy will live on through his work 
We need more people like Kwame Brathwaite who are passionate about using their platform for good 
. and honestly, i'm not sure how much more impact his work really had on society than, like, a million other photographers who were doin the same thing at the same time... that being said tho, it's awesome that he was able to live a long life & leave behind such an iconic body of work 
.
Kwame Brathwaite was such an iconic figure in the photography world and his work still holds up today 
His "Black is Beautiful" movement was way ahead of its time and it's crazy to think he lived for 85 years, capturing so much beauty and essence through his lens 
His contributions to photography and activism are a reminder that we're still learning from people like him today 
just heard about Kwame Brathwaite... what a legend! He was more than just a photographer, he was a movement maker. I mean, can you imagine a world where Black skin wasn't seen as 'ugly' or 'imperfect'? 
I love how he used his platform to celebrate Black culture and identity, and his influence can still be seen today. 
. His "Black is Beautiful" movement still gives me chills today 
. The fact that he humanized Black skin and beauty in the 60s was pure genius 
... I'm so grateful to have lived in a time when his work was makin' waves 
my heart goes out to Kwame Brathwaite's family 
. 85 is way too young 
. I grew up hearing about the "Black is Beautiful" movement and how it changed the game for representation in media 
. His work still inspires me today, and I'm sure future generations will continue to draw from his legacy 
he paved the way for all us to celebrate our melanated skin and culture. His work with Grandassa Models back in the 60s was 
game-changing, makin' it cool to be unapologetically black. And can we talk about his collabs with some of the biggest names in music? 
The man's influence still lives on through his son and other artists who continue to draw inspiration from his work. Rest in peace, Kwame 
and his impact still resonates today 
Just heard the news about Kwame Brathwaite passing away at 85 
The fact that he's leaving behind a vast collection of work for future generations to discover is just amazing 
i remember seeing those grandassa models photos from '62 and being blown away by how gorgeous they looked, especially considering the time period 
brathwaite's impact on photography and beyond goes far beyond his iconic works... he helped shape a narrative of black identity that is still relevant today 
. He may be gone but his impact will definitely live on 
... but honestly its sad that we lost another legend who's work still inspires people today. I mean Kwame Brathwaite was a pioneer in more ways than one - not just with his photography, but also challenging the status quo and promoting Black beauty and identity. it's crazy to think about how far back he started working on this movement... 1960s, can you even imagine? 
but all good things must come to an end, and now kwame brathwaite is just a memory