His visual contributions to the “Black Is Beautiful” movement in the 1950s and 1960s were foundational to its impact and progression. Through his photography of Black musicians and models, he spearheaded the way for fashion photography and Black aesthetics. He photographed freedom fighters to famous Black figures, such as Mohammad Ali, Bob Marley, and Grace Jones. Brathwaite was considered one of the best concert photographers, photographing the live performances of Black musicians like James Brown, Miles Davis, and Billie Holliday. His images approach Black life with pride and care and demonstrate a level of intentionality with his camera.

Brathwaite was an active participant in the Harlem community. Inspired by the writings of Black Nationalist Carlos Cook and activist Marcus Garvey, Brathwaite created the Africa Jazz Arts Society and Studio (AJASS) shortly after graduating high school. The group, which consisted of designers, writers, and artists, aimed to create social change through empowering Black people. He created and frequently collaborated with the Grandassa Models, a group of Black women who advocated for natural Black beauty, and, through AJASS, organized and photographed multiple fashion shows in Harlem. The inaugural fashion show, Naturally ‘62, exhibited the Grandassa models wearing their afros and traditional African fabrics, harboring the tagline “Black Is Beautiful.” AJASS continued to host annual fashion shows in the Harlem community that promoted Black empowerment. Brathwaite photographed members of the community and had a studio located in Harlem. Brathwaite was also a champion for Black economic liberation and aligned himself with the phrase “Think Black, Buy Black.”

Brathwaite did not receive much acclaim until he retired in 2018. His son, Kwame S. Brathwaite, organized Brathwaite’s first monograph in 2019, Kwame Brathwaite: Black Is Beautiful, alongside Tanisha C. Ford and Deborah Willis. Braithwaite first entered the Studio Museum collection in 2019.