Kwame Brathwaite, the legendary photographer and activist behind some of the most iconic images of the 'Black is Beautiful' movement, has left this world at the age of 85. The pioneering figure, who captured the essence of Black identity through his lens, will be deeply missed by those who knew him and admired his work.
Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants in New York, Brathwaite's journey as a photographer began when he was just 17 years old. A visit to David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till in an open casket sparked his interest in photography, while another encounter with a young Black photographer taking shots without flash ignited a fire within him. He went on to study the art at the School of Industrial Art and developed a darkroom technique that would become synonymous with his work.
As the founder of the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS), Brathwaite used his photography as a tool for social change, pushing back against Eurocentric beauty standards and celebrating Black identity. His photographs of models like Sikolo Brathwaite, whom he married in 1966, showcased the beauty of unbridled Blackness, paving the way for future generations.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite's focus on jazz shifted to other forms of popular Black music, as he documented tours by iconic acts like the Jackson Five and Stevie Wonder. He also photographed Nina Simone, Bob Marley, and others, cementing his legacy as a chronicler of Black culture.
Despite struggling with poor health in recent years, Brathwaite continued to create until 2018 when he shot artist Joanne Petit-Frère for The New Yorker. A retrospective exhibition is currently on view at the Art Institute of Chicago, where it will remain until July 24.
Kwame Brathwaite's impact on photography and Black culture cannot be overstated. His work continues to inspire a new generation, and his legacy will forever be etched in the fabric of our collective identity.
Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants in New York, Brathwaite's journey as a photographer began when he was just 17 years old. A visit to David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till in an open casket sparked his interest in photography, while another encounter with a young Black photographer taking shots without flash ignited a fire within him. He went on to study the art at the School of Industrial Art and developed a darkroom technique that would become synonymous with his work.
As the founder of the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS), Brathwaite used his photography as a tool for social change, pushing back against Eurocentric beauty standards and celebrating Black identity. His photographs of models like Sikolo Brathwaite, whom he married in 1966, showcased the beauty of unbridled Blackness, paving the way for future generations.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite's focus on jazz shifted to other forms of popular Black music, as he documented tours by iconic acts like the Jackson Five and Stevie Wonder. He also photographed Nina Simone, Bob Marley, and others, cementing his legacy as a chronicler of Black culture.
Despite struggling with poor health in recent years, Brathwaite continued to create until 2018 when he shot artist Joanne Petit-Frère for The New Yorker. A retrospective exhibition is currently on view at the Art Institute of Chicago, where it will remain until July 24.
Kwame Brathwaite's impact on photography and Black culture cannot be overstated. His work continues to inspire a new generation, and his legacy will forever be etched in the fabric of our collective identity.
what can you even say about Kwame Brathwaite, he was like the ultimate photographer and activist all rolled into one... I mean the man was only 85 but he left us with so much more than just a body of work that's still changing lives today... his passion project, Black is Beautiful, was never just about photography it was about challenging the status quo and celebrating what makes us unique... I'm still thinking about how cool it is that he met David Jackson's Emmett Till photo at 17 and that sparked everything for him... now we've got this amazing retrospective show on in Chicago and I wish everyone could see it to get a glimpse of his genius... 
He was like a godfather to Black photography and culture. I mean, have you seen his work? those portraits of Sikolo Brathwaite are GORGEOUS 
he really captured the essence of Black identity back in the day. And can we talk about how much he pushed against Eurocentric beauty standards? that's something we still need to deal with today 
anyway, I'm gonna have to check out this retrospective exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago... gotta see what all the fuss is about 
I remember seeing his photos of Sikolo for the first time and just being blown away by how gorgeous she looked 
It's crazy to think about how much impact one person can have on art and culture. His legacy will live on, but it's sad that he's no longer with us to see the impact of his work 
I'm gonna go check out that retrospective exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago ASAP 
. but at the same time, i wish there had been more recognition for him during his lifetime. like, he was still taking photos until 2018! that's dedication 
. anyhoo, i'm gonna miss seeing what he comes up with next...
. Did they have any children together? And what happened after that? Was it a big deal at the time?
. his photos of sikolo were some of the most iconic and still hold up today... he had a way of capturing the essence of black identity in a way that felt authentic and real 
! I mean, can you even imagine what it would've been like to have grown up seeing some of those iconic pics of Black folks and just being blown away by their beauty? 
It's crazy to think about how he used his photography as a way to challenge these Eurocentric beauty standards and just celebrate Blackness in all its glory 