Renowned photographer and activist Kwame Brathwaite has left an indelible mark on the world of photography, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations. The 85-year-old pioneer in the "Black is Beautiful" movement passed away on April 1st, leaving behind a family, friends, and countless fans who will miss his presence.
Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants in Brooklyn, New York, Brathwaite's journey as a photographer began when he encountered David Jackson's haunting image of Emmett Till's open casket in 1955. This pivotal moment sparked his interest in photography, which he later combined with his passion for activism.
In the early 1960s, Brathwaite co-founded the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) along with his brother Elombe. Through AJASS, Brathwaite used his camera as a tool to challenge Eurocentric beauty standards by celebrating Black beauty through his photographs of young women, known as the Grandassa Models. The "Naturally '62" fashion show, organized by AJASS in 1962, marked an important milestone in promoting Black pride and self-acceptance.
Over the years, Brathwaite's work has been met with resurgent interest from curators, historians, and collectors. His first major institutional retrospective, curated by the Aperture Foundation, debuted in Los Angeles in 2019 before touring the country. The show not only showcased Brathwaite's remarkable body of work but also highlighted his innovative approach to photography, which emphasized capturing the essence of Black culture and identity.
Brathwaite's photographs of jazz legends such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and Nina Simone are iconic representations of African American artistic expression. His ability to capture the "mood" and "feeling" of his subjects is evident in his work, which continues to inspire artists and photographers today.
In recent years, Brathwaite's focus shifted towards other forms of popular Black music, including Bob Marley, Sly and the Family Stone, and Stevie Wonder. His photographs from this era showcase his dedication to documenting the experiences of African Americans and promoting their artistic expression.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite continued to explore new ways to express himself through photography. In 2016, he joined the Philip Martin Gallery in Los Angeles, and his work has been featured in various exhibitions, including a recent show at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Despite his passing, Kwame Brathwaite's legacy lives on through his photographs, which continue to inspire new generations of artists and activists. His "Black is Beautiful" movement remains an important reminder of the power of self-expression and identity, leaving behind a lasting impact on the world of photography and beyond.
Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants in Brooklyn, New York, Brathwaite's journey as a photographer began when he encountered David Jackson's haunting image of Emmett Till's open casket in 1955. This pivotal moment sparked his interest in photography, which he later combined with his passion for activism.
In the early 1960s, Brathwaite co-founded the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) along with his brother Elombe. Through AJASS, Brathwaite used his camera as a tool to challenge Eurocentric beauty standards by celebrating Black beauty through his photographs of young women, known as the Grandassa Models. The "Naturally '62" fashion show, organized by AJASS in 1962, marked an important milestone in promoting Black pride and self-acceptance.
Over the years, Brathwaite's work has been met with resurgent interest from curators, historians, and collectors. His first major institutional retrospective, curated by the Aperture Foundation, debuted in Los Angeles in 2019 before touring the country. The show not only showcased Brathwaite's remarkable body of work but also highlighted his innovative approach to photography, which emphasized capturing the essence of Black culture and identity.
Brathwaite's photographs of jazz legends such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and Nina Simone are iconic representations of African American artistic expression. His ability to capture the "mood" and "feeling" of his subjects is evident in his work, which continues to inspire artists and photographers today.
In recent years, Brathwaite's focus shifted towards other forms of popular Black music, including Bob Marley, Sly and the Family Stone, and Stevie Wonder. His photographs from this era showcase his dedication to documenting the experiences of African Americans and promoting their artistic expression.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite continued to explore new ways to express himself through photography. In 2016, he joined the Philip Martin Gallery in Los Angeles, and his work has been featured in various exhibitions, including a recent show at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Despite his passing, Kwame Brathwaite's legacy lives on through his photographs, which continue to inspire new generations of artists and activists. His "Black is Beautiful" movement remains an important reminder of the power of self-expression and identity, leaving behind a lasting impact on the world of photography and beyond.
he was more than just a photographer, he was a movement, a symbol of resistance against the norms that try to silence our stories and erasure our beauty 
his work continues to inspire us to celebrate our individuality and self-acceptance 
but we gotta keep pushing forward too... like, what's next for us? how do we carry on his legacy without him? 
i'm literally still in shock he was like my idol growing up his photos of the grandassa models were so iconic to me and they totally changed the way we saw beauty 
anyway what really gets me is how his legacy lives on through his photography it's crazy to think that his work can continue to inspire people even after he's gone 
u know who else would be proud of him? my grandma she loved jazz music and would always play miles davis records 
anyway i'm just gonna go listen to some jazz now and remember kwame brathwaite for all the amazing things he did 
, what a legend! He was truly a pioneer in using photography to promote Black beauty and pride 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to celebrate Black is Beautiful? 
His work with the Grandassa Models was so ahead of its time 
. It's amazing how his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and activists #KwameBrathwaite #BlackIsBeautiful #PhotographyMatters
just heard about Kwame Brathwaite passing away... what a legend 
and now his legacy lives on through his amazing photos 
can't wait to see what's in store for future generations of artists & activists who'll be inspired by his work 
The way he celebrated black beauty and self-acceptance back then is still so relevant today. And his work with jazz legends? Forget about it! He must've had some amazing stories to share. It's crazy thinkin' about how much impact one person can have on the world through their art. Kwame Brathwaite may be gone, but his legacy is still shinin' bright 
. His photographs are more than just images – they're testaments to the beauty and strength of Black identity