Renowned photographer and activist Kwame Brathwaite has passed away at the age of 85. His contributions to the 'Black is Beautiful' movement, a pivotal moment in the struggle for racial equality and self-expression in the 1960s, will be remembered by generations to come.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1938, Brathwaite's life was marked by his unwavering commitment to capturing the beauty of Black people through his lens. Growing up amidst Barbadian immigrants in Harlem, Brathwaite was drawn to photography after encountering David Jackson's powerful photograph of Emmett Till in open casket. His fascination with the art form deepened when he spotted a young photographer taking pictures without flash at an underground jazz club.
Brathwaite began his professional career as a photographer, documenting jazz legends such as Miles Davis and John Coltrane. However, it was his work with the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) that truly cemented his legacy. Alongside co-founders Elombe Brath and others, Kwame Brathwaite co-created the iconic 'Grandassa Models' – young Black women whose natural beauty he aimed to celebrate through his photographs.
One of these models, Sikolo Brathwaite, whom he married in 1966, became an integral part of his work. The couple remained together until Kwame's passing. His work also took him on a journey across Africa and the United States, capturing pivotal moments such as the 'Rumble in the Jungle' boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.
Throughout his life, Brathwaite was driven by an unwavering commitment to capture the essence of Black culture through photography. As he once said, "You want to get the feeling, the mood that you're experiencing when they're playing." His contributions not only shaped the 'Black is Beautiful' movement but also paved the way for future generations of photographers and artists.
A retrospective exhibition of his work can currently be seen at the Art Institute of Chicago, cementing Kwame Brathwaite's legacy as a pivotal figure in American art and culture.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1938, Brathwaite's life was marked by his unwavering commitment to capturing the beauty of Black people through his lens. Growing up amidst Barbadian immigrants in Harlem, Brathwaite was drawn to photography after encountering David Jackson's powerful photograph of Emmett Till in open casket. His fascination with the art form deepened when he spotted a young photographer taking pictures without flash at an underground jazz club.
Brathwaite began his professional career as a photographer, documenting jazz legends such as Miles Davis and John Coltrane. However, it was his work with the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) that truly cemented his legacy. Alongside co-founders Elombe Brath and others, Kwame Brathwaite co-created the iconic 'Grandassa Models' – young Black women whose natural beauty he aimed to celebrate through his photographs.
One of these models, Sikolo Brathwaite, whom he married in 1966, became an integral part of his work. The couple remained together until Kwame's passing. His work also took him on a journey across Africa and the United States, capturing pivotal moments such as the 'Rumble in the Jungle' boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman.
Throughout his life, Brathwaite was driven by an unwavering commitment to capture the essence of Black culture through photography. As he once said, "You want to get the feeling, the mood that you're experiencing when they're playing." His contributions not only shaped the 'Black is Beautiful' movement but also paved the way for future generations of photographers and artists.
A retrospective exhibition of his work can currently be seen at the Art Institute of Chicago, cementing Kwame Brathwaite's legacy as a pivotal figure in American art and culture.
IT'S AMAZING HOW HE COULD CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF BLACK CULTURE THROUGH HIS LENS 
AND I LOVE THAT HE GOT TO COVER SUCH ICONIC EVENTS LIKE THE 'RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE' BOXING MATCH 
ANYWAY, I'M GLAD HIS LEGACY IS BEING CELEBRATED WITH A RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION AT THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO 
just learned about Kwame Brathwaite passing away at 85... what a legend! 
. His work with the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) really helped shape the 'Black is Beautiful' movement, which was so pivotal for racial equality & self-expression back in the 60s. 
. The fact that a retrospective exhibition of his work is currently on at the Art Institute of Chicago is just a testament to his impact on art & culture 
his work is still so powerful today, it's like he's capturing the soul of blackness in every shot 
can't imagine how iconic those 'grandassa models' photos must've been 
and the fact that they showcased natural beauty without filters is still a message we need today 
... everyone was trying to make black culture cool in the 60s 
. and yeah, sikolo being one of those models, that's nice 
... but did he really need to get married to his model wife? 
... anywayz, i guess it's dope that his work is still being shown at art institutes everywhere 
.
... think about it, he was only 85 but still had to deal with racism & oppression all his life... i mean, can you blame him for being bitter? 
and what's the point of this retrospective exhibition? just to stroke our egos and say 'hey, we remember you'? or is it just another way to sanitize history? 
just read about Kwame Brathwaite passing away at 85... so inspired by his work with 'Black is Beautiful' movement 
can't wait to check out that retrospective exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago