The Grassroots Modeling Group Who Pioneered “Black Is Beautiful”
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Published 2019-04-26
Inspired by the writings of activist and black nationalist Marcus Garvey, Brathwaite, along with his older brother, Elombe Brath, founded the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) and the Grandassa Models (1962). AJASS was a collective of artists, playwrights, designers, and dancers; Grandassa Models was a modeling agency for black women, founded to challenge white beauty standards. From stunning studio portraits of the Grandassa Models to behind-the-scenes images of Harlem’s artistic community, including Max Roach, Abbey Lincoln, and Miles Davis, "Kwame Brathwaite: Black Is Beautiful" offers a long-overdue exploration of Brathwaite’s life and work.
Order "Black Is Beautiful" here: aperture.org/shop/kwame-brathwaite-black-is-beautiful
All Comments (6)
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My Aunty Shirley was a Grand Dassa Model. She recently crossed over to the ancestors, and I so very miss her.
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Thank you for bringing forth light about Kuame Brathwaites inspiring fashion history. I as a women of color can honestly appreciate his work , he paved the way this generation of black models today. As an African- American aspiring model this has influenced me to reach towards my dreams in the hair and fashion world. ❤️🌈❤️
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This man speaking looks like Kwame Brarthwaite our Grandassa photogragher exordinaire from the 1960's!!!!
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Incredible and timely - Harlem Network News just did an amazing interview with the Grandassa Models which premiered Monday, January 10th - go to our Youtube Channel and attend the Exhibit at the New York Historical Society which ends on January 15th here in NYC. Sister Terri Wisom.
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<3
