Kwame Brathwaite, the mastermind behind the iconic 'Black is Beautiful' movement, has passed away at the age of 85. The renowned photographer and activist left an indelible mark on the world of art and culture.
Born in Brooklyn in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants, Brathwaite's journey was shaped by his experiences growing up in New York City. His family moved to Harlem when he was just five years old, and it was here that he developed a passion for photography. It was during this time that Brathwaite encountered David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till, which sparked his interest in capturing the essence of Black life.
In 1956, Brathwaite co-founded the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) with his brother Elombe. This marked a turning point in his career, as he began using photography to challenge Eurocentric beauty standards and celebrate the beauty of Black skin. His groundbreaking work with the Grandassa Models, young Black women who embodied the 'Black is Beautiful' ethos, was a defining moment in his career.
Over the years, Brathwaite's photographs captured some of the most iconic moments in music history, including the Jackson Five, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Marley. His work also took him to Africa, where he documented the historic 'Rumble in the Jungle' boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.
Despite his passing, Brathwaite's legacy continues to live on through his stunning photographs. Recent exhibitions, including a retrospective at the Art Institute of Chicago, have cemented his status as one of the most important photographers of our time. His work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and diversity in art.
As we mourn the loss of this trailblazing artist, we are also reminded of the enduring power of 'Black is Beautiful.' Brathwaite's photographs continue to inspire generations of artists, activists, and anyone who has ever felt marginalized or oppressed. His work will forever be a testament to the beauty, strength, and resilience of Black people around the world.
Born in Brooklyn in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants, Brathwaite's journey was shaped by his experiences growing up in New York City. His family moved to Harlem when he was just five years old, and it was here that he developed a passion for photography. It was during this time that Brathwaite encountered David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till, which sparked his interest in capturing the essence of Black life.
In 1956, Brathwaite co-founded the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) with his brother Elombe. This marked a turning point in his career, as he began using photography to challenge Eurocentric beauty standards and celebrate the beauty of Black skin. His groundbreaking work with the Grandassa Models, young Black women who embodied the 'Black is Beautiful' ethos, was a defining moment in his career.
Over the years, Brathwaite's photographs captured some of the most iconic moments in music history, including the Jackson Five, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Marley. His work also took him to Africa, where he documented the historic 'Rumble in the Jungle' boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.
Despite his passing, Brathwaite's legacy continues to live on through his stunning photographs. Recent exhibitions, including a retrospective at the Art Institute of Chicago, have cemented his status as one of the most important photographers of our time. His work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and diversity in art.
As we mourn the loss of this trailblazing artist, we are also reminded of the enduring power of 'Black is Beautiful.' Brathwaite's photographs continue to inspire generations of artists, activists, and anyone who has ever felt marginalized or oppressed. His work will forever be a testament to the beauty, strength, and resilience of Black people around the world.
Kwame Brathwaite was like a legend in his own right. I mean, 85 is old, but his impact on art and culture still feels fresh 
. He totally flipped the script on how we think about beauty, especially for people of color. His 'Black is Beautiful' movement was more than just a slogan – it was a way of life 
. I'm so grateful to have seen his work and know that he's still inspiring new generations to celebrate their heritage and individuality 
. It's a shame he's no longer with us, but his legacy will keep on shining bright 
.
I'm thinking what if Kwame Brathwaite's 'Black is Beautiful' movement wasn't just about celebrating Black skin tone? I mean, what if it was actually a clever marketing ploy to shift our focus away from the true issues facing the Black community, like economic inequality and systemic racism? 
It's always a good idea to question everything, right? 
And what about all those 'groundbreaking' photographs of famous Black musicians? Were they really just innocent shots or were they actually staged to further the narrative of Black excellence? 
man, 85 yrs old and still kicking... but I guess it's time for him to pass on 
. Kwame Brathwaite was always about shaking things up with his photography, and it's weird that he's leaving behind a legacy that's gonna be watered down by the art world 
. Everyone's gonna wanna touch his 'Black is Beautiful' movement now, but can they still live up to the standard he set? Doubt it 
. Still, gotta respect the man for being ahead of his time and using his platform to spread a message that needs to be heard 
I mean, have you tried it? It's like a flavor explosion in your mouth! Anyway, back to Kwame Brathwaite... I read that he worked with some iconic musicians. Like, did you know that Stevie Wonder's mom was a huge influence on his music? She was actually blind and taught him how to play piano 
Anyway, coffee is good, right?
... what a legend! I mean, can you believe he was only 85? He left an indelible mark on the art world, and his legacy is still so relevant today 
. I'm loving how recent exhibitions are bringing attention to his work, especially with that retrospective at the Art Institute of Chicago 
. His 'Black is Beautiful' movement was way ahead of its time, and it's amazing how it continues to inspire people around the world 
. I can only imagine how powerful his photos must've been seeing them come alive in person... 
his work is still gonna be celebrated 4 years 
and we're all better off 4 it! 
i remember seeing those grandassa models pics for the first time and being blown away by the beauty of black women 
his work was never just about looks, it was about challenging the status quo and celebrating black culture 
just think about all the legends he photographed like MJ & Stevie Wonder... but his photography wasn't just about capturing famous faces it was also about changing how we see ourselves. His "Black is Beautiful" movement still resonates today, its not just a pretty face or a historical event its a way of life 
. It's not like he wasn't already getting the tribute treatment all the time 
85 is still young when you're making that kinda impact, he was literally changing the game with those photos and models back in the 60s what an inspiration! his work is so underrated, i mean we should be seeing more of it in museums and galleries, not just some random throwback posts on social media
. anyways, it's awesome that his legacy lives on through those sick pics he took of some amazing artists over the years 
. i'm sure it's super inspiring to see people from all backgrounds looking at these pics and feeling seen 
85?! that's old for someone still kicking so hard 
KWAME'S PICTURES are like time capsules, they never get old 
i mean what was going through his mind when he took those pics with MJ & Nina & Stevie? 
anyway, we should celebrate Kwame Brathwaite's life and work even more... maybe a photo exhibition in Harlem or Brooklyn would be awesome 
. Kwame Brathwaite was definitely a trailblazer, no doubt about it... but let's be real, he didn't just do it for the art, he did it to make a point and stir up some trouble 
. Guess you could say he left us with a legacy that's still making waves... but also a whole lot of responsibility for the next gen to live up to 
just saw this news about Kwame Brathwaite and I'm still trying to process it... 85 yrs old is crazy!