Black No More by George Schuyler (1931)Speculative fiction and satire that ponders if all black people turned white. The novel focuses on the absurdity of such a future and what it could mean for black culture.
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin (1963)One of the most influential books about race relations in America, a series of essays.
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler (1979)A science fiction novel about a time traveling Black woman, written by the godmother of Afrofuturism.
Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde (1984)A look at social issues through the lens of Black Feminism and intersectionality in a series of essays.
Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Life by Marshall Frady (2002)The life and times of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Afrofuturism: The World of Black Sci-fi and Fantasy Culture by Ytasha Womack (2013)Explanations and dive into past, present, and future of Afrofuturism.
Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff (2016)Based on the works of cosmic, horror writer H.P. Lovecraft.
The Radical King by Cornel West (2016)“Could it be that we know so little of the radical King because such courage defies our market-driven world?” - Cornel West, from the Introduction
"ATliens" by Oukast (1996)"Urban life as hustlers, existential introspection, and extraterrestrial life." AT = Atlanta, liens = aliens. Psychedelic, futuristics beats.
"Dirty Computer" by Janelle Monáe (2018)Recognition, celebration, reclamation, future pop, reckoning.
"A Beautiful Revolution Pt. 1" by Common (2020)Music for the movement.
"Lemonade" (2018); "The Gift/Black is King" (2020) by BeyonceBeyoncé’s most recent musical projects, both albums and visual experiences, explore the experiences of Black women in America, as well as the African Diaspora, through various artistic expressions. These projects were heavily influenced by Afrofuturism, including the work of Octavia E. Butler.
"To Pimp a Butterfly" (2015);"DAMN." (2017) by Kendrick LamarHailed as one of the greatest rappers of all time, Kendrick Lamar creates overtly political music dealing with themes of Black social issues.
"The Pandemic Project" (2020); "Cincoriginals" (2020) by Tobe Nwigwe
Tobe Nwigwe is a rapper and visual artist who works with his wife and sister to produce
numerous music videos that incorporate afrofuturistic themes, reference his family’s
home country Nigeria, and take on social issues affecting the Black Diaspora.
Sun RaSun Ra is a jazz musician who pioneered the use of electronic synthesizers and keyboards as he created avantegarde, experimental, and improvisational music with his group, “The Arkestra.” During their performances they were often dressed in futuristic costume referencing both ancient Egyptians and the Space Age. He is considered one of the godfathers of Afrofuturism.
4 Little Girls directed by Spike Lee (1997)
Documentary about the 1963 murder of 4 little girls, Addie May Collins, Carol Denise McNair, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Rosamond Robertson
in an Alabama church bombing.
Selma directed by Ava DuVernay (2014)
Historical re-telling of the 1960s voting rights marches.
13th directed by Ava DuVernay (2016)
Documentary about the criminalization of African-Americans and the prison boom in
the United States.
Hidden Figures directed by Theodore Melfi (2016)
Historical drama about African American women, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan,
and Mary Jackson, NASA mathematicians and engineer, during the Space Race.
Insecure created by Issa Rae (2016-present)
A comedy-drama series portraying Black young adults as they navigate life and relationships. This is a breakout series allowing for Black storylines that are not reliant on race relations as the main driver (the trailer is the UK version, but it is a US show.)
I Am Not Your Negro created by Raoul Peck (2016)
A documentary that examines America’s history in regards to race through the writing and reminiscing of James Baldwin. The documentary premiered in theaters in February 2017.
Atlanta created by Donald Glover (2016-present)
Surreal comedy-drama that follows a Black ivy league dropout and his cousin as they
try to make it in Atlanta’s rap scene
Random Acts of Flyness created by Terence Nance (2018-present)
An abstract, stream of consciousness sketch comedy show, that utilizes dark humor
and surrealism to explore Black lives in America.
Lovecraft Country created by Misha Green (2020)
American horror series based on the book of the same name by Matt Ruff.
I May Destroy You created by Michaela Coel (2020)
A series that explores the nuances and complexities of sex, sexual assault, and healing
for a group of British Black young adults.
Artists, designers, and photographers exploring Black joy, beauty, fashion, creativity, diaspora, and futurism.
Afrofuturism Central (public group)"The term Afrofuturism was first coined by Mark Dery in 1993. Afrofuturism is a literary and cultural aesthetic that combines elements of science fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, Afrocentricity, and magic realism. It has become a new cultural expression that includes but is not limited to music, art, clothing, and technology. This group is a central location for the Afrofuturism genre. We invite all to participate and be respectful of the culture this represents."
Afrofuturism (public group)"Afrofuturism is a compound term of two words: afro which refers to African and futurism which refers to futuristic concepts, technologies and items produced from them. What makes up the term helps to make what the term per se refers to easier to understand: afrofuturism is an artistic style concerned with futuristic creations where the major elements are of African origin where African refers to both Africans living in Africa and those in the diaspora. As far as who creates the work it can be anyone so far as they have these themes in their creations. Works or creations in this regard include literature, visual art, sculpture and metalwork."
Afrofuturism 2.0 (private group)"Afrofuturism 2.0 is identifying the emerging global discussion around the topic. We have seen the reactions around the world to the movie Panther that are apparently framing for the everyday person what Afrofuturism is about. Individuals asking to join are screened based upon their interest or scholarship."
