Recently, I was blessed to visit the National African-American History & Culture Museum (NMAAHC) in Washington, DC, and was inspired! I have visited the museum in the past and every time I learn something new and exciting while still revisiting the artifacts and history.
I was introduced to Afrofuturism this weekend! According to the online Oxford dictionary, Afrofuturims is "a movement in literature, music, art, etc., featuring futuristic or science fiction themes which incorporate elements of Black history and culture." The phrase was coined by Mark Dery in 1993- this term and its meaning had me in awe!
The African-American race has been oppressed in every arena of life (physically, emotionally, financially, educational, etc.), and still can write about a future that is beyond creative is phenomenal. The resiliency conveyed by the various artists (writers, musicians, fashion designers, etc.) reminds me of who we are as a collective group. This feeling of resiliency and tenacity is felt while walking through this exhibit.
If you cannot physically attend the museum, you can visit the exhibit virtually at Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures.
I cannot discuss Afrofuturism without discussing the genre of science fiction. Science fiction is synonymous with the author Octvaiva Butler. I have to admit that I have not truly explored science fiction writing.
After exploring the exhibit, I am determined to delve into this genre. I have read the Hunger Games series and a couple books of from the Divergent series, but I never really explored the science fiction genre. Now I am off to a great start!
I looked for an audiobook option (see my previous blog about audiobooks) and to my delight, I discovered the audiobook is free on Audible! (If you are not an Audible member, check your local library to check for availability). I have heard from various people that the book was turned into a Hulu original film, but I like to read the books before watching the movie!
I wanted to support the NMAAHC so I purchased The Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler. I heard the book The Parable of the Sower is a must so I may read that book first. Click here for more information about Afrofuturism and Black Literature.
Being at the NAAHM was rewarding! It was good to see so many nationalities coming to learn about the History and Culture of African Americans. It also felt good to see the accomplishments we have displayed not only in the museum but to see our mark in Washington, DC. (Benjamin Banneker was part of the team that surveyed the land and created the blueprint for Washington, DC. I also visited the HBCU Howard University as well). To see more contributions of African Americans and Washington, DC visit The Influences of African Americans on the National Mall. According to the National Archives, we also had a hand in constructing the White House and the Capital.
Washington, DC is full of our culture, contributions, and histories. I could not have imagined a better place to have the exhibit of Afrofuturism than in the NMAAHC!
Interesting!