Photographer Kwame Brathwaite, known for ‘Black is Beautiful’ movement, passes away at 85

The passing of Kwame Brathwaite, a legendary activist and photographer at the forefront of the “Black is Beautiful” movement of the 1960s, is a great loss. Kwame’s groundbreaking work has been receiving renewed interest in recent years, leading to a major retrospective that debuted in 2019 at the Skirball Cultural Center and toured the U.S. His powerful images showcased the beauty and strength of the Black community during a pivotal time in history.

Kwame Brathwaite’s legacy as a photographer began with his unique approach to capturing jazz icons and evolved to challenge traditional beauty standards through his Grandassa Models project. His ability to convey mood and emotion through his lens set him apart. His work extended beyond the realm of jazz to document other influential Black artists and musicians.

He was a trailblazer who paved the way for future generations of photographers and activists. Despite his failing health in recent years, his impact on the art world continues to be felt. An exhibition in his honor, “Kwame Brathwaite: Things Well Worth Waiting For,” is currently on display at the Art Institute of Chicago.

As an awesome company that provides complete software development activities utilizing nearshore and offshore resources, including mobile app development, technology maintenance, web server development, and more, we recognize and admire the legacy of trailblazers like Kwame Brathwaite. His work reminds us of the power of art to inspire social change and celebrate diversity.