Pioneering Photographer Behind the 'Black is Beautiful' Movement Has Passed Away at 85
Kwame Brathwaite, a photographer and activist who played a pivotal role in defining the aesthetics of the "Black is Beautiful" movement, has died at the age of 85. Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants in New York, Brathwaite's early life experiences significantly influenced his photography style.
After being introduced to David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till in his open casket, Brathwaite became fascinated with photography as a means of capturing the essence and beauty of Black culture. His journey led him to co-found the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) with his brother Elombe, where he developed the concept of celebrating Black models through his photographs.
Brathwaite's work in this era helped shape the "Black is Beautiful" movement, which emphasized the importance of embracing one's natural features. He captured images of young Black women, now known as the Grandassa Models, showcasing their beauty and strength. His photography also featured jazz legends like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and others.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite traveled extensively, documenting iconic events such as the "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. He also photographed prominent Black figures, including Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, Bob Marley, and more.
In recent years, Brathwaite's work has gained significant attention from curators, historians, and collectors. His first major institutional retrospective was held at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles before touring the country. The photographer continued to work on various projects until his health began to decline, forcing him to limit his activities.
Brathwaite's legacy is cemented through his photographs, which continue to inspire new generations of artists and activists. His commitment to celebrating Black beauty and culture has left an indelible mark on the world of art and photography.
Kwame Brathwaite, a photographer and activist who played a pivotal role in defining the aesthetics of the "Black is Beautiful" movement, has died at the age of 85. Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants in New York, Brathwaite's early life experiences significantly influenced his photography style.
After being introduced to David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till in his open casket, Brathwaite became fascinated with photography as a means of capturing the essence and beauty of Black culture. His journey led him to co-found the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) with his brother Elombe, where he developed the concept of celebrating Black models through his photographs.
Brathwaite's work in this era helped shape the "Black is Beautiful" movement, which emphasized the importance of embracing one's natural features. He captured images of young Black women, now known as the Grandassa Models, showcasing their beauty and strength. His photography also featured jazz legends like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and others.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite traveled extensively, documenting iconic events such as the "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. He also photographed prominent Black figures, including Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, Bob Marley, and more.
In recent years, Brathwaite's work has gained significant attention from curators, historians, and collectors. His first major institutional retrospective was held at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles before touring the country. The photographer continued to work on various projects until his health began to decline, forcing him to limit his activities.
Brathwaite's legacy is cemented through his photographs, which continue to inspire new generations of artists and activists. His commitment to celebrating Black beauty and culture has left an indelible mark on the world of art and photography.
just reading about Kwame Brathwaite's life and work is giving me chills. He was more than just a photographer, he was a movement. The way he captured those iconic images of Black women as beauty icons is still fire today 
. And can we talk about his photography skills? The man could capture the essence of jazz legends like Miles Davis and John Coltrane in one shot 
. His legacy is not just about celebrating Black culture, it's about humanizing us. He took pictures of people who were already beautiful to begin with, but he showed the world what that looked like 
. R.I.P Kwame Brathwaite 
Kwame Brathwaite was truly a legend behind the 'Black is Beautiful' movement, spreading love & acceptance for all skin tones 
his work inspired countless people around the world 
to celebrate their unique beauty & culture 
his legacy will live on through his stunning photographs and the artists he helped uplift 
passing away at 85 ... what a legend! 
he was way ahead of his time with his "Black is Beautiful" movement 
capturing beauty in all its forms and promoting self-love and acceptance 
his work is still inspiring new gen artists & activists 
can't believe we lost this talented photographer and activist 
. We need more people like Kwame Brathwaite in this world, spreading love and acceptance through their work 
It's crazy to think he passed away at 85 though, that's old school for us Gen Zers 
But his legacy lives on through the many artists and activists who've been inspired by him 
this is such sad news... Kwame Brathwaite was more than just a photographer, he was a movement 
85 years young, that's no joke. Kwame Brathwaite was a true pioneer, his work still holds up today 
and I'm so glad his legacy will live on, inspiring new creators to keep pushing boundaries 
. And who can forget those jazz legends he photographed? It's crazy to think about how much his work helped shape the 'Black is Beautiful' movement 
. He may be gone, but his legacy lives on through all these amazing images 
I just heard about Kwame Brathwaite passing away... 85 years old is way too young! He was a true icon, not just for his stunning photography but also for being a pioneer in celebrating Black beauty and culture. His work on the "Black is Beautiful" movement is so inspiring, especially during an era when people were still trying to suppress Black identity.
And can you believe he photographed Nina Simone? What a legend! 
I mean, 85? That's pretty old even for a legend like Kwame Brathwaite! 
his photos are not just beautiful but also say a lot about the black experience and the importance of self-love 
just can't believe we lost this legendary photographer at 85! 
his 'Black is Beautiful' movement was all about embracin' our natural features & it's still inspiring people today 
and another thinkin', these 'grandassa models' were prob just posin' for the camera, it's not like they're changin' the world or anythin' 