Afrofuturism: Imagining the Future of Black Identity
Channel: New America
Date: 07/12/2015

A Future Tense Event

Afrofuturism emphasizes the intersection of black cultures and imagination, liberation, and technology. Rooted in works like those of science fiction author Octavia Butler, avant-garde jazz legend Sun Ra, and George Clinton, Afrofuturism explores concepts of race, space and time and asks the existential question posed by critic Mark Dery: "Can a community whose past has been deliberately erased imagine possible futures?"

Will the alternative futures and realities Afrofuturism describes transform and reshape the concept of black identity? JoinFuture Tense for a discussion on Afrofuturism and its unique vantage on the challenges faced by African-Americans and others throughout the African diaspora.

During the event, enjoy an Afrofuturist inspired drink from 67 Orange Street. Follow the discussion online using #Afrofuturism and by following @NewAmericaNYC and@FutureTenseNow.

PARTICIPANTS

Michael Bennett
Principal Investigator, School for the Future of Innovation in Society, Arizona State University
@MGBennett

Ytasha Womack
Author, Afrofuturism: The World of Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Culture and @ytashawomack

Walé Oyéjidé
Designer and Creative Director, Ikire Jones
@IkireJones

Aisha Harris
Staff writer, Slate 
@craftingmystyle

https://www.newamerica.org/future-tense/afrofuturism-imagining-the-future-of-black-identity/

====================================

New America is dedicated to the renewal of American politics, prosperity, and purpose in the digital age through big ideas, technological innovation, next generation politics, and creative engagement with broad audiences.

Subscribe to our channel for new videos on a wide range of policy issues: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=newamericafoundation

Subscribe to The New America Weekly and other newsletters: http://www.newamerica.org/subscribe/#