Naturally ’68 at the Apollo Theater (ca. 1968)

Naturally ’68 at the Apollo Theater (ca. 1968)

AP African American Studies Guide

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Topic 4.12

Kwame Brathwaite, Naturally ’68 Photo Shoot at the Apollo Theater (ca. 1968)

A color photograph of a row of ten female Grandassa models with natural, afro-style hair wearing dresses made from brightly colored African-inspired motifs. Three men standing on a small podium behind the models are wearing patterned dashiki shirts. The dark blue wall behind them is covered with posters advertising Black theater performances, shows, and celebrations.


Kwame Brathwaite, Untitled (Naturally ’68 photo shoot in the Apollo Theater featuring Grandassa models and founding AJASS [African Jazz Art Society and Studio] members Kletus Smith, Frank Adu, Bob Gumbs, Elombe Brath and Ernest Baxter), ca. 1968 (Courtesy of the Kwame Brathwaite Archive & Philip Martin Gallery, © Kwame Brathwaite. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.)

Discussion Questions

  1. What do you notice about the clothing worn by the Grandassa models and African Jazz Art Society and Studio members in this photo? What is the significance of the cloths/prints they are wearing?
  2. What stands out to you about the posters on the wall at the Apollo Theater, where this photo was taken? 
  3. What is it in this photo that is “natural”? What did the photographer claim about these “natural” elements?