The Sweet Breath of Life
| Company type | Photography collective |
|---|---|
| Industry | Photography, Publishing |
| Founded | 1963 in New York City, United States |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Key people | Frank Steward (president) |
The Sweet Breath of Life: A Poetic Narrative of the African-American Family is a 2004 visual and poetic collaboration between Ntozake Shange and the photography group Kamoinge Inc. Established in New York City in 1963 to empower Black photographers within a predominantly white sector, Kamoinge Inc. partnered on this publication, which was released by Atria Books and overseen by Frank Steward, the group's president.
Summary
This volume delves into the experiences of urban African-American communities through an integration of poetry and photographic art, exploring subjects such as spirituality, self-identity, and cultural portrayal.
Contributing photographers
- Frank Stewart
- Anthony Barboza
- Adger Cowans
- Gerald Cyrus
- Louis Draper
- Albert Fennar
- Collette Fournier
- James Francis
- Steve Martin
- Toni Parks
- Herbert Randall
- Eli Reed
- Herb Robinson
- Beuford Smith
- Ming Smith
- June Truesdale
- Budd Williams
Reception
Critics responded favorably to The Sweet Breath of Life, often likening it to the artistic contributions of Langston Hughes and Roy DeCarava. While Black Issues Book Review observed that some images felt dated and certain poems leaned toward a journalistic tone, it acknowledged the compelling interaction between verse and imagery. The publication Curve emphasized the strength of the photographic elements, and the Tri-State Defender praised the book as an evocative fusion of text and visuals that vividly portrays modern African-American life.