Renowned photographer and activist Kwame Brathwaite has passed away at the age of 85. His groundbreaking work played a pivotal role in shaping the aesthetics of the "Black is Beautiful" movement that emerged in the 1960s, which aimed to challenge Eurocentric beauty standards.
Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants in New York, Brathwaite was drawn to photography at a young age after encountering haunting images such as David Jackson's photograph of Emmett Till. He began experimenting with his Hasselblad medium-format camera and developed a technique that would enhance the visual narrative of his photographs.
In 1962, alongside his brother Elombe, Brathwaite co-founded the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS), which aimed to promote Black art and culture. The group came up with the concept of the Grandassa Models, young Black women whom Brathwaite would photograph celebrating their natural beauty.
Brathwaite's work extended beyond photography to include music documentation, capturing iconic performances by jazz legends such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk. He also traveled to Africa in 1974 with the Jackson Five to document their tour, including the historic "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite remained committed to the "Black is Beautiful" ethos, exploring different forms of popular Black music and developing a distinct style that has been widely acclaimed. His work was showcased in various exhibitions, including the retrospective at the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas, which took place before his passing.
In recent years, Brathwaite's contributions to photography and art have gained renewed attention, with institutions such as the Aperture Foundation and the Art Institute of Chicago celebrating his work. His influence on Black identity and culture is undeniable, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants in New York, Brathwaite was drawn to photography at a young age after encountering haunting images such as David Jackson's photograph of Emmett Till. He began experimenting with his Hasselblad medium-format camera and developed a technique that would enhance the visual narrative of his photographs.
In 1962, alongside his brother Elombe, Brathwaite co-founded the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS), which aimed to promote Black art and culture. The group came up with the concept of the Grandassa Models, young Black women whom Brathwaite would photograph celebrating their natural beauty.
Brathwaite's work extended beyond photography to include music documentation, capturing iconic performances by jazz legends such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk. He also traveled to Africa in 1974 with the Jackson Five to document their tour, including the historic "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite remained committed to the "Black is Beautiful" ethos, exploring different forms of popular Black music and developing a distinct style that has been widely acclaimed. His work was showcased in various exhibitions, including the retrospective at the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas, which took place before his passing.
In recent years, Brathwaite's contributions to photography and art have gained renewed attention, with institutions such as the Aperture Foundation and the Art Institute of Chicago celebrating his work. His influence on Black identity and culture is undeniable, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
what's so beautiful about being 85? Kwame Brathwaite lived life on his own terms, embracing every moment as an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of Black culture 
. He didn't wait for anyone to give him permission to share his vision; he just did it with passion and dedication 
. That's what I think is most admirable about Kwame's work – he never compromised on his values or let external expectations hold him back. His legacy reminds us that our true beauty lies in being unapologetically ourselves, and that's something we can all learn from 
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he was literally so ahead of his time with the "black is beautiful" movement 
i wish our school had something like that in art class where we can celebrate diversity and inclusivity in a more meaningful way 
i'm also really curious how our school's photography club could learn from brathwaite's work and create something new and innovative 
brathwaite's legacy is definitely going to inspire me when it comes to my own creative projects 
celebrating black beauty wasnt always easy but he made it his mission to show the world what was beautiful about being black
Kwame Brathwaite was a true pioneer, you know? His work wasn't just about photography, it was about challenging the status quo and promoting self-love. He didn't care about what others thought of his art, he just kept pushing forward with his vision. That's what I admire most about him! 
The way he celebrated Black beauty and culture is something we need more of in this world. 
Kwame Brathwaite was definitely ahead of his time with his 'Black is Beautiful' movement. I mean, who wouldn't want to celebrate their natural beauty? 
. His work didn't just stop at photography, though - he was also documenting these iconic performances and even traveled to Africa to capture the Jackson Five in action 
and I gotta say its like he was silenced at the right moment. all this info about him being part of the "Black is Beautiful" movement and documenting black art culture makes me think theres more to it than just a tribute. like, what if his photography wasnt just about celebrating black beauty but also exposing the darker side of racism? 
I know its far fetched but I mean, have you seen the pics he took of those historic boxing matches? there must be more to that story... and that retrospective at the Blanton Museum in Austin, texas seems like a big event. what if its not just about celebrating his legacy but also something more sinister? 
anyway, RIP Kwame Brathwaite I guess we'll never know for sure 
anyway did u know the grandassa models were actually from the same neighborhood as eliombe brathwaite aka the guy who co-founded AJASS? crazy how all these legends are connected in this way