Kwame Brathwaite facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kwame Brathwaite
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| Born | January 1, 1938 Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
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| Died | April 1, 2023 (aged 85) |
| Occupation | Photojournalist, activist |
| Years active | 1950s–2023 |
| Known for | Documentary photojournalism |
| Relatives | Elombe Brath (brother), John Edward Brathwaite (brother) |
Kwame Brathwaite (born January 1, 1938 – died April 1, 2023) was an American photojournalist and activist. He became famous for helping to make the phrase "Black is Beautiful" popular. He also took many pictures of life and culture in Harlem and Africa.
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Who Was Kwame Brathwaite?
Kwame Brathwaite was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1938. His parents were immigrants from Barbados. He grew up in New York City and learned about the cultural, political, and social changes happening in Harlem and for people of African descent around the world. In the early 1950s, he went to the School of Industrial Art, which is now called the High School of Art and Design.
Early Life and Activism
Kwame Brathwaite was not just a photographer; he was also an activist. This means he worked to bring about social change. In 1956, he and his older brother, Elombe Brath, started a group called the African Jazz Art Society and Studios. This group helped promote African culture and jazz music.
Later, in 1962, they also founded Grandassa Models. This was a modeling agency that focused on showcasing the beauty of Black women. They wanted to challenge the beauty standards of the time, which often favored lighter skin and straight hair.
The "Black Is Beautiful" Movement
One of Kwame Brathwaite's biggest impacts was through a series of fashion shows called Naturally pageants. The first one, Naturally '62, happened on January 28, 1962. It was special because it only featured Black models. These shows were held at a nightclub in Harlem.
The Naturally pageants helped spread the message of "Black Is Beautiful". This phrase was even printed on the pageant's posters. These shows ran for five years, ending in 1966. They played a huge role in changing how Black people saw themselves and how they were seen by others.
His Photography and Legacy
During the 1960s, Kwame Brathwaite's photographs appeared in important newspapers like the New York Amsterdam News. He captured images of many famous musicians and public figures. He photographed concerts of stars like Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, and James Brown. He also took pictures of the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.
His work showed the power and beauty of Black culture. In 2017, he was honored at the 75th Aperture Gala for his important contributions to photography and activism. Kwame Brathwaite passed away on April 1, 2023, at the age of 85. His photos continue to inspire people and tell the story of a powerful movement.
Exhibitions of His Work
Kwame Brathwaite's photographs have been shown in many art exhibitions. These shows help more people see his important work.
- Black Is Beautiful: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite, organized by Aperture Foundation (2019)
- Icons of Style: A Century of Fashion Photography, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (2019)
- Tools of Revolution: Fashion Photography and Activism, Houston Center for Photography (2020)
- The Struggle Continues, Victory is Certain, Philip Martin Gallery (2020)
- Facing Forward: Photographic Portraits from the Collection, Santa Barbara Museum of Art (2021)
- Changing Times, Philip Martin Gallery (2021)
- My Village/New York, Philip Martin Gallery (2022)
See also
In Spanish: Kwame Brathwaite para niños
