Kwame Brathwaite, a pioneer of ethnic fashion identities, has died at the age of 99. He was an important figure during the Harlem Renaissance and the Black is Beautiful movement and will be remembered as a leader in fashion, social rights and artistry.
April 1, 2023
April 11, 2023
Kwame Brathwaite was born in 1924 in New York City as the youngest of eight children. His parents, Malaku and Maude Brathwaite, were immigrants from Panama and Jamaica respectively. Growing up in the 1930s and 40s was difficult for African Americans—Brathwaite graduated high school early because he felt that staying in his segregated school would have done little for him. He went on to attend NYU and later joined the United States Army.
Upon graduating from NYU, Brathwaite moved to Harlem, where he began his mission to empower people of African descent through fashion. He co-founded the African-American magazine Ebony Fashion Fair alongside his wife, Elsie, and also began working at the House of African Nationalists. Here, he used his artwork and textiles to create garments that celebrated African heritage. The designs were seen as revolutionary, as they boldly declared “Black is Beautiful.” Brathwaite also took part in several theatrical performance, including the opera Porgy and Bess, in which he showcased his unique fashions.
Brathwaite had a profound impact on the fashion industry and is being remembered as a pioneer in ethnic fashion identities. His work was featured in museums around the world and he was honoured with numerous awards, such as the Black Fashion Designers’ Cultural Icon Award. He was also inducted into the International Best Dressed Hall of Fame in 2000. Kwame Brathwaite will be remembered as a symbol of strength and courage and a powerful voice for the Black community.
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