Renowned Photographer Kwame Brathwaite Passes Away at 85
Kwame Brathwaite, the influential photographer who played a pivotal role in shaping the 'Black is Beautiful' movement of the 1960s and beyond, has passed away at the age of 85. Brathwaite's work continues to be celebrated for its powerful portrayal of Black beauty, identity, and culture.
Born in 1938 in what was then "the People's Republic of Brooklyn," Brathwaite grew up surrounded by the rich cultural heritage of New York City's African American community. He developed an interest in photography at a young age, drawing inspiration from encounters with powerful images like David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till in his open casket. This encounter had a profound impact on Brathwaite, sparking his passion for documenting the experiences and stories of Black people.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite has worked tirelessly to challenge Eurocentric beauty standards and promote a more inclusive representation of Black identity through photography. His groundbreaking work with the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) helped create a platform for young Black women to celebrate their natural beauty and express themselves through art.
One of Brathwaite's most notable projects is his series featuring the Grandassa Models, a group of talented young women who were chosen for their unique features and ability to embody the "Black is Beautiful" ethos. This project not only celebrated Black beauty but also provided a platform for these women to express themselves and gain recognition.
In addition to his work with AJASS, Brathwaite has collaborated with some of the most iconic figures in music, including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, Bob Marley, and others. His photographs capture not only their performances but also the spirit and essence of Black culture.
Despite his passing at 85, Brathwaite's legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and activists. His work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation, diversity, and inclusivity in the arts. As we reflect on Brathwaite's life and contributions, we are reminded that his photographs were not just beautiful but also told stories of resilience, hope, and the unbreakable spirit of Black people around the world.
Kwame Brathwaite, the influential photographer who played a pivotal role in shaping the 'Black is Beautiful' movement of the 1960s and beyond, has passed away at the age of 85. Brathwaite's work continues to be celebrated for its powerful portrayal of Black beauty, identity, and culture.
Born in 1938 in what was then "the People's Republic of Brooklyn," Brathwaite grew up surrounded by the rich cultural heritage of New York City's African American community. He developed an interest in photography at a young age, drawing inspiration from encounters with powerful images like David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till in his open casket. This encounter had a profound impact on Brathwaite, sparking his passion for documenting the experiences and stories of Black people.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite has worked tirelessly to challenge Eurocentric beauty standards and promote a more inclusive representation of Black identity through photography. His groundbreaking work with the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) helped create a platform for young Black women to celebrate their natural beauty and express themselves through art.
One of Brathwaite's most notable projects is his series featuring the Grandassa Models, a group of talented young women who were chosen for their unique features and ability to embody the "Black is Beautiful" ethos. This project not only celebrated Black beauty but also provided a platform for these women to express themselves and gain recognition.
In addition to his work with AJASS, Brathwaite has collaborated with some of the most iconic figures in music, including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, Bob Marley, and others. His photographs capture not only their performances but also the spirit and essence of Black culture.
Despite his passing at 85, Brathwaite's legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and activists. His work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation, diversity, and inclusivity in the arts. As we reflect on Brathwaite's life and contributions, we are reminded that his photographs were not just beautiful but also told stories of resilience, hope, and the unbreakable spirit of Black people around the world.
he was more than just a photographer, he was a movement by himself, spreading love & self-love to the world through his lens 
and i gotta say, those grandassa models were totally ahead of their time, showcasing black beauty in all its forms 
brathwaite's legacy will live on, inspiring future generations to keep pushing for inclusivity & representation in every aspect of life 
.
... But let me tell you, he was a total legend in the photography game. Like, his work really did change the way we think about beauty and identity, especially for Black people. I mean, who else could make "Black is Beautiful" a movement? 
It's crazy to think that someone inspired by Emmett Till's open-casket photo would go on to become such an influential photographer.
and collaborating with legends in music is crazy who would have thought 
he was all about challenging the status quo and pushing boundaries with his photography 
it's crazy how his work still inspires new gen artists & activists today 
it became more of a commercial thing than a genuine movement to celebrate black culture and identity 
anyway, brathwaite's legacy lives on, and that's something we can all get behind 
Kwame Brathwaite was more than just a photographer - he was a movement in itself! His work was so ahead of its time, it's crazy to think about how much of an impact he had on challenging beauty standards and promoting Black identity. I'm still in awe of the Grandassa Models project, it was like nothing anyone had ever seen before 
. And can you even imagine not having his iconic photos of icons like Miles Davis and Nina Simone? It's crazy to think that someone as talented as Brathwaite is gone. His legacy lives on though, and I'm so grateful for the work he did 
.