Black Is Beautiful movement
The Black Is Beautiful movement emerged in the 1960s as part of the broader Black Power movement, aimed at transforming the political, economic, and social conditions for African Americans. This movement sought to challenge and redefine stereotypical representations of Black identity and beauty. The phrase "Black is beautiful" resonated deeply within the Black community, encouraging pride and self-affirmation, particularly through music and visual arts. Iconic songs like James Brown's "Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud" and Aretha Franklin's "Respect" reflected this new spirit of empowerment.
Key figures, such as Ron Karenga, emphasized the importance of art that connected with and uplifted the Black community. Initiatives like the fashion shows led by photographers Kwame Brathwaite and Elombe Brathwaite showcased traditional clothing and natural hairstyles, countering prevailing beauty standards. The movement celebrated African traditions and culture, inspiring the growth of independent presses, bookstores, and academic programs focused on African American studies. Although the Black Power movement's momentum diminished by the mid-1970s, the ethos of Black Is Beautiful continues to influence contemporary struggles for multiculturalism, feminism, and LGBTQIA+ rights.
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Black Is Beautiful movement
The Black Is Beautiful movement, part of a broader drive to change political, economic, and social conditions for African Americans, emphasized the importance of countering stereotyped representations. Originating in the Black Power movement (1965-1975), the phrase “Black is beautiful” appealed to large segments of the Black community not directly involved with movement organizations. Music and visual arts were central to this appeal; James Brown’s “Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud” and Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” signified the change in spirit from earlier integrationist phrases of the movement. Movement theorists, including Kwanzaa founder Ron (Maulana) Karenga, declared the necessity of an art connected with the Black American community and committed to its well-being and proposed that Black art should “praise the people” as well as “expose the enemy” and “support the revolution.”
Photographer Kwame Brathwaite and his brother Elombe Brathwaite countered the ethnocentric beauty standards of the time, putting on fashion shows that showcased Grandassa Models wearing traditional clothing and natural hairstyles. These shows helped spark the Black is Beautiful movement, particularly the Naturally '62 show, considered one of the pivotal moments in the movement’s history.
The Black Is Beautiful movement initiated sustained investigations of African traditions and history and celebrated the distinctiveness of African American culture. The success of evocations of “soul” in Black music, food, speech, physical beauty, body language, and clothing inspired the creation of independent presses and bookstores and student demands for African American studies departments. Though the Black Power movement lost most of its impetus by 1975, the Black Is Beautiful ethos exerts a continuing influence on the struggles for multicultural, feminist, and LGBTQIA+ self-definition.
Bibliography
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"Black is Beautiful: The Emergence of Black Culture and Identity in the 60s and 70s." National Museum of African American History & Culture, Smithsonian, nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/black-beautiful-emergence-black-culture-and-identity-60s-and-70s. Accessed 10 Oct. 2024.
Craig, Maxine Leeds. Ain't I a Beauty Queen? Black Women, Beauty, and the Politics of Race. Oxford UP, 2002.
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