Afrofuturism: Black to the Future
In recent years there has been a surge in popularity and interest surrounding “Afrofuturism.” A theoretical framework to explore new futures, Afrofuturism serves as a genre that encompasses science fiction, art, literature, and even activism in a forward-leaning/anti-colonial way. If you have seen Marvel’s Black Panther series then you have already been exposed to this world, but there is so much more!
Infinity and Beyond
Afrofuturism is a way of imagining the future by combining science fiction, history, art, and culture from the African diaspora. It answers big questions like, “What does the future look like for people of African descent?” and “How can we use technology and creativity to tell stories about freedom and hope?”
The term “Afrofuturism” was coined by cultural critic Mark Dery in 1993 and further explored in the late 1990s through conversations led by Alondra Nelson. Ytasha L. Womack, author of Afrofuturism: The World of Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Culture, defines it as “an intersection of imagination, technology, the future, and liberation.” Curator Ingrid LaFleur describes it as “a way of imagining possible futures through a Black cultural lens.”
Afrofuturism combines elements of science fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, and Afrocentrism to critique present-day dilemmas of Black people and to revise, interrogate, and re-examine historical events. It encompasses a range of media, including literature, music, visual arts, and film, with a shared interest in envisioning Black futures that stem from Afro-diasporic experiences.
Seminal Afrofuturistic works include the novels of Samuel R. Delany and Octavia Butler; the cosmic avant-garde jazz of Sun Ra and his Arkestra; the extraterrestrial mythos of Parliament-Funkadelic; and the Marvel Comics superhero Black Panther. These works and artists have significantly contributed to the development and recognition of Afrofuturism as a distinct cultural movement.
Why is it Important?
Afrofuturism offers a transformative lens to reimagine African American history, identity, and future possibilities. Brady Smith argues in his article for Edutopia that teaching Afrofuturism during Black History Month and beyond allows educators to shift the focus from narratives of oppression to those of empowerment and creativity. As Smith notes, “What is lost in interpreting Black history through stories of suffering, oppression, and resistance? What if we think about Black futures instead?” By exploring Afrofuturist literature, students gain tools to critique traditional Eurocentric frameworks and engage with narratives that center Black joy, innovation, and resilience.
Afrofuturism bridges the past with speculative futures, enabling students to see historical figures in new and imaginative ways. An example from a recent Smithsonian exhibit invites us to imagine historical figures like Benjamin Banneker and Harriet Tubman as space explorers rather than historical actors bound to the limitations of their time. This perspective transforms the way students relate to history, fostering a sense of pride and possibility.
Afrofuturism pushes students to engage critically with ideas of the future, technology, and society. Afrofuturism invites spectators to envision what new ways of being and living can be. This imaginative approach nurtures critical thinking and creativity, skills essential for academic and personal growth.
Afrofuturism’s interdisciplinary nature—spanning literature, music, film, and visual art—makes it an engaging and accessible tool for K–12 classrooms. Students can explore works like N.K. Jemisin’s essay How Long ‘Til Black Future Month?, Janelle Monáe’s futuristic music videos, or the visual brilliance of Black Panther to see how Afrofuturist ideas permeate popular culture. As Smith observes, such works allow students to explore “narratively, musically, and visually complex” pieces that resonate with their experiences. By engaging with Afrofuturism, students are encouraged to imagine inclusive futures that celebrate diversity. Smith highlights how exploring Afrofuturist narratives enables students to critically analyze social issues, such as climate change and technological innovation, from unique perspectives.
Watch and Learn
Afrofuturism manifests itself in many different ways and in many different forms. From music to the visuals arts, the African diaspora have explored new worlds through looking at past ones. This playlist features a wide variety of examples that can help you understand the breadth and complexity of the genre. All you will need to get started is the official OMSI Afrofuturism Playlist!
As you explore the OMSI Afrofuturism Playlist, consider these reflection questions! These are great questions to discuss with a friend or in a classroom setting:
- How does this exemplify science fiction or the use of technology?
- What parts of the African Experience does this piece exemplify?
- How does this work commentate on the current condition ( the world, the African Experience, Black culture, etc)?
- What mode(s) of art is the artist using to convey their message?
- How does it make me feel?
What Did You Observe?
Solange Knowles’ When I Get Home is a vibrant exploration of Afrofuturism, Black feminism, and Black southern culture, weaving them together into a rich, multidimensional tapestry. The album’s sound and visuals draw from sci-fi aesthetics, offering a futuristic vision while remaining deeply connected to Black southern roots. Solange channels the power of Black women’s experiences, addressing themes of liberation, self-expression, and identity with boldness and introspection. The visuals, set against the backdrop of Houston, pay tribute to her southern heritage, incorporating elements of southern gothic and Black folk traditions. In this work, Solange uses the past, present, and future to challenge conventional narratives and celebrate the complexity of Black existence.
The costuming in Black Panther plays a pivotal role in grounding the film in African tradition and culture. The costumes, designed by Ruth E. Carter, reflect the rich diversity of African heritage while blending traditional elements with futuristic designs. Each tribe’s attire showcases distinct cultural symbols, patterns, and materials, paying homage to African history and crafts. For instance, the use of vibrant colors, beadwork, and woven fabrics is rooted in African artistry, while the regal attire of the Wakandan royal family combines royal African dress with advanced, speculative technology. This fusion underscores the film’s celebration of African identity and its vision of an advanced, yet deeply connected, African civilization.
Remellzee’s work stands as a pioneering example of interdisciplinary art, blending graffiti, sculpture, performance, and music into a singular, revolutionary practice. His artistic universe merges hip-hop culture with deep socio-political themes, particularly class struggle and the Black experience. Through his bold, intricate graffiti and conceptual pieces, Remellzee critiqued systems of power, using visual language to speak to the tensions between the oppressed and the powerful. His incorporation of Afrofuturism is evident in his imaginative re-envisioning of Black identity and its potential futures, often rejecting traditional forms of representation in favor of a radical, speculative vision. In his work, Remellzee challenged conventional boundaries, merging art with activism, and pushing the cultural conversation toward a more liberated and self-determined future for marginalized communities.
Jacolby Satterwhite creates immersive digital worlds by blending his own personal canon of video games, his mother’s artistic influence, and themes of queerness and Afrofuturism. Drawing inspiration from his childhood experiences and his mother’s work, Shuttlewhite crafts virtual spaces that transcend traditional boundaries, merging nostalgia with futuristic visions. His use of video game mechanics and aesthetics becomes a means of world-building, where queer identities and Black experiences are central to the narrative. Through Afrofuturism, he reimagines possibilities for Black and queer futures, offering a digital playground where reality, fantasy, and history converge. Shuttlewhite’s work challenges conventional storytelling, inviting viewers into spaces where cultural heritage, technology, and identity intersect in bold and innovative ways.
Reading List
Afrofuturist literature is a great way to interrogate our past while looking at a hopeful tomorrow. OMSI community partner Third Eye Books has a great selection of work to delve deeper into the Afrofuturism genre!
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia
Sci-fu by Yhudi Mercado
Maya and the Rising Dark by Rena Barron
Oyenka and the Academy of the Sun by Tola Okogwu
More Children’s Books can be found here!
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams
A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown
Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma
More YA Books can be found here!
Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemison
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
The Blood Trials—N.E. Davenport
More Adult Books can be found here!