Renowned photographer and activist Kwame Brathwaite has passed away at the age of 85. Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants in what he called "the People's Republic of Brooklyn," Brathwaite's life work was marked by his dedication to celebrating Black beauty and identity.
Brathwaite's journey into photography began when, as a teenager, he was struck by David Jackson's haunting image of Emmett Till's open casket. This encounter sparked a fascination with the medium that eventually led him to co-found the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) with his brother Elombe.
Through AJASS, Brathwaite created the Grandassa Models – young Black women who became the embodiment of "Black is Beautiful." His photographs not only celebrated their features but also challenged the whitewashed beauty standards prevalent in society at the time. The movement culminated in the 1962 fashion show "Naturally '62," which was a groundbreaking moment in the fight against Eurocentric beauty norms.
Brathwaite's work extended beyond photography, as he also documented jazz legends such as Miles Davis and John Coltrane, capturing the essence of their performances. His lens also captured iconic moments like the historic boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Africa.
Over the years, Brathwaite continued to explore his craft, working with artists and musicians such as Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, Bob Marley, and more recently collaborating with The New Yorker. His work can be seen in various institutions around the world, including the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas, where a retrospective exhibition is currently underway.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite remained committed to the "Black is Beautiful" ethos, using his photography as a powerful tool for self-expression and social commentary. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy lives on through the countless individuals whose faces he captured in all their beauty.
Brathwaite's journey into photography began when, as a teenager, he was struck by David Jackson's haunting image of Emmett Till's open casket. This encounter sparked a fascination with the medium that eventually led him to co-found the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) with his brother Elombe.
Through AJASS, Brathwaite created the Grandassa Models – young Black women who became the embodiment of "Black is Beautiful." His photographs not only celebrated their features but also challenged the whitewashed beauty standards prevalent in society at the time. The movement culminated in the 1962 fashion show "Naturally '62," which was a groundbreaking moment in the fight against Eurocentric beauty norms.
Brathwaite's work extended beyond photography, as he also documented jazz legends such as Miles Davis and John Coltrane, capturing the essence of their performances. His lens also captured iconic moments like the historic boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Africa.
Over the years, Brathwaite continued to explore his craft, working with artists and musicians such as Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, Bob Marley, and more recently collaborating with The New Yorker. His work can be seen in various institutions around the world, including the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas, where a retrospective exhibition is currently underway.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite remained committed to the "Black is Beautiful" ethos, using his photography as a powerful tool for self-expression and social commentary. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy lives on through the countless individuals whose faces he captured in all their beauty.
. He was truly a legend in the photography world and his work is still giving me life today 
. The way he celebrated Black beauty and identity is something that we really need more of in this world right now. And can we talk about how iconic those Grandassa Models are? They're proof that Black is beautiful and has always been beautiful 
. I'm glad his work is still being showcased around the world, it's a testament to his legacy and commitment to self-expression and social commentary. Interesting, thinking about how his photography can continue to inspire future generations of artists and activists 
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man, 85 is old, what's next? Kwame Brathwaite's work was cool I guess, celebrating black beauty and identity and all that, but it felt like a reaction to something, you know? Like, they were so tired of the whitewashed beauty standards that they just flipped it on its head. 
Anyway, I guess it's sad that he's gone now, but I'm not gonna miss him or anything. 
Kwame Brathwaite's life work was more than just photography... it was a movement 
. He showed us that Black beauty isn't just a phrase, it's a way of life 
. His Grandassa Models were the embodiment of self-love and acceptance 
. We need more people like him in this world 
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. By celebrating Black beauty and identity, he was essentially saying that our features are not something to be ashamed of, but rather something to be proud of 
. This was a bold statement back then, and it's amazing to think about how far we've come since the "Naturally '62" fashion show 
. But let's not forget that this fight is still ongoing, and there are people like Brathwaite who paved the way for us to be unapologetically ourselves 
. We need more activists-artists like him today to keep pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo 
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. He was truly a visionary behind the lens, capturing the essence of Black culture and identity in a way that was both powerful and unapologetic 
. The "Naturally '62" fashion show was a game-changer back then, and it's amazing to see how his legacy has continued to evolve 
. Rest in peace, Kwame – your work will always be a reminder of the importance of celebrating our diversity 
he was all about celebrating black beauty and it's still so relevant today 
He was like a pioneer in celebrating Black beauty, it's so sad that we lost him 
I'm gonna have to check out that retrospective exhibition at the Blanton Museum of Art soon 
I mean, can you imagine living back then with these Eurocentric beauty standards trying to dictate what's beautiful? 
His work with the Grandassa Models in the 60s was pure game-changer 
The way he captured moments like Muhammad Ali and George Foreman's historic boxing match is just incredible 
I'm so grateful to have grown up knowing about him and learning from his work... it's a shame we lost him at 85, but his legacy will keep on inspiring generations to come 
... and his collabs with these legendary artists? mind blown 
... anyway, his legacy lives on, and we can all learn from the power of self-expression and celebrating our uniqueness