Afrofuturism

As long as cisgendered male whiteness is considered the norm in science fiction and all others are "other", science fiction will fail to realize its potential as an egalitarian space that promotes improved human relations. Yes, I grew up on Star Trek, Heinlein, "Up With People", and "I'm Ok, You're Okay." Speaking of Star Trek, I'm LOVING Discovery. Looking forward to the next season. But I digress. This article from The New Republic highlights some of the negative responses today and 50 years ago in relation African Americans and other non-white, non-binary content creators. We can do better folks.

The panel members Queen Mother Makeda Dread, Executive Director of Worldbeat Cultural Center, Dr. Willie Blair, President of California BAPAC, and Rev. Shane Harris, President of San Diego Chaoter of National Action Network engaged in lively discussion that included definitions, examples, barriers, and bridges to increasing trust and recpect in our community facillitated by Qamar Bradford, Counselor with California State Department of Rehabilitation.

This interactive keynote address touched on definitions of Afrofuturism, referenced the Black Panther film and Wakanda, and challenged the audience to engage in creativity, critical thinking, strategic planning and deliberate action within the framework of Afrofuturism for the good of our community and generations to come.