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Afrofuturism

    Afrofuturism

    The movie “Black Panther” is an example of Afrofuturism.

    Afrofuturism is a cultural movement that explores the intersection of African diaspora culture with science fiction, technology, and fantasy. It is a way for black people to imagine and create their own futures through various forms of media.

    Afrofuturism is a cultural and artistic movement that explores the intersection of African diaspora culture, science fiction, fantasy, and futurism. It reimagines the past, present, and future of Black people, and envisions alternative realities that center and empower Black experiences and perspectives.

    History of Afrofuturism

    Afrofuturism has its roots in the work of science fiction writer Octavia Butler and musician Sun Ra in the 1950s and 1960s. However, the term “Afrofuturism” was coined by cultural critic Mark Dery in his 1994 essay “Black to the Future.” Since then, Afrofuturism has evolved into a broader movement that encompasses a wide range of art forms, including literature, music, film, visual art, and fashion.

    Impact of Afrofuturism on the Black community

    Afrofuturism has had a significant impact on the Black community by providing a platform for Black artists to reimagine and reclaim their cultural heritage. It offers a space for Black people to explore their identities and experiences in a way that is not constrained by the limitations of the present. Afrofuturism allows Black people to envision alternative realities that center their experiences and empowers them to imagine a better future.

    Impact of Afrofuturism on the white community

    Afrofuturism also has an impact on the white community by challenging the dominant cultural narratives that have historically erased and marginalized Black experiences. By centering Black experiences and perspectives, Afrofuturism disrupts the white supremacist power structures that have dominated mainstream culture and offers a new way of understanding the world.

    Influence of Afrofuturism on culture

    Afrofuturism has had a significant influence on popular culture, particularly in the areas of music and film. Musicians such as Janelle Monae, Erykah Badu, and Solange have incorporated Afrofuturistic themes into their work, while films like “Black Panther” have brought Afrofuturism to the mainstream. Afrofuturism has also influenced fashion, visual art, and literature.

    Why Afrofuturism is important

    Afrofuturism is important because it provides a space for Black people to imagine alternative realities that center their experiences and perspectives. It challenges dominant cultural narratives that have historically marginalized and erased Black experiences and provides a new way of understanding the world. Afrofuturism empowers Black people to imagine and create a better future for themselves and their communities.

    How to enjoy Afrofuturism

    There are many ways to enjoy Afrofuturism, from reading books and watching films to listening to music and attending art exhibitions. To get started, check out some of the top Afrofuturist works in different mediums, including books, films, music, visual art, and fashion.

    25 Movies Related to Afrofuturism

    1. Black Panther (2018)
    2. Get Out (2017)
    3. Sorry to Bother You (2018)
    4. The Matrix (1999)
    5. Blade (1998)
    6. Us (2019)
    7. The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019)
    8. Attack the Block (2011)
    9. The Brother from Another Planet (1984)
    10. Men in Black (1997)
    11. The Wiz (1978)
    12. A Wrinkle in Time (2018)
    13. The Spook Who Sat by the Door (1973)
    14. Space Is the Place (1974)
    15. The Time Machine (2002)
    16. Babylon A.D. (2008)
    17. Underworld (2003)
    18. Bright (2017)
    19. Hancock (2008)
    20. After Earth (2013)
    21. Chappie (2015)
    22. Jupiter Ascending (2015)
    23. Chronicles of Riddick (2004)
    24. The Giver (2014)
    25. Pacific Rim (2013)

    10 TV Shows Related to Afrofuturism

    1. “Watchmen” (HBO)
    2. “Lovecraft Country” (HBO)
    3. “Black Lightning” (The CW)
    4. “The Umbrella Academy” (Netflix)
    5. “The Expanse” (Amazon Prime)
    6. “Sense8” (Netflix)
    7. “Altered Carbon” (Netflix)
    8. “Heroes” (NBC)
    9. “Star Trek: Discovery” (CBS All Access)
    10. “The Twilight Zone” (CBS All Access)

    10 Books Related to Afrofuturism

    1. “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia Butler
    2. “Kindred” by Octavia Butler
    3. “The Fifth Season” by N.K. Jemisin
    4. “Binti” by Nnedi Okorafor
    5. “Akata Witch” by Nnedi Okorafor
    6. “Dawn” by Octavia Butler
    7. “Who Fears Death” by Nnedi Okorafor
    8. “The Space Between Worlds” by Micaiah Johnson
    9. “The Black God’s Drums” by P. Djèlí Clark
    10. “The Prey of Gods” by Nicky Drayden

    10 Cartoons Related to Afrofuturism

    1. Black Panther (2010)
    2. Afro Samurai (2007)
    3. Cannon Busters (2019)
    4. Boondocks (2005-2014)
    5. Static Shock (2000-2004)
    6. Black Dynamite: The Animated Series (2011-2015)
    7. W.I.T.C.H. (2004-2006)
    8. Proud Family (2001-2005)
    9. Spawn: The Animated Series (1997-1999)
    10. Young Justice (2010- )

    10 Songs Related to Afrofuturism

    1. “Dirty Computer” by Janelle Monáe
    2. “To Pimp a Butterfly” by Kendrick Lamar
    3. “A Seat at the Table” by Solange
    4. “MAGDALENE” by FKA twigs
    5. “Black Messiah” by D’Angelo and The Vanguard
    6. “The ArchAndroid” by Janelle Monáe
    7. “Afrofuturism” by Sun Ra
    8. “Blonde” by Frank Ocean
    9. “Kala” by M.I.A.
    10. “Cosmogramma” by Flying Lotus

    10 Comics Related to Afrofuturism

    1. “Black Panther” by Ta-Nehisi Coates and Brian Stelfreeze
    2. “Bitter Root” by David F. Walker, Chuck Brown, and Sanford Greene
    3. “The American Way: Those Above and Those Below” by John Ridley and Georges Jeanty
    4. “Excellence” by Brandon Thomas and Khary Randolph
    5. “NIOBE: She is Life” by Amandla Stenberg, Sebastian A. Jones, and Ashley A. Woods
    6. “Is’nana the Were-Spider” by Greg Anderson Elysee and Walter Ostlie
    7. “Far Sector” by N.K. Jemisin and Jamal Campbell
    8. “Afrofuturism: The Next Generation” by Ytasha L. Womack
    9. “Black Star” by Eric Jerome Dickey and Mark Powers
    10. “M.F.K.” by Nilah Magruder

    Sources:

    • Ytasha Womack, “Afrofuturism: The World of Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Culture”
    • Alondra Nelson, “Afrofuturism: Past-Future Visions in Blackness”
    • Mark Dery, “Black to the Future”
    • Reynaldo Anderson and Charles E. Jones, “Afrofuturism 2.0: The Rise of Astro-Blackness”
    • “The 25 Best Afrofuturism Films of All Time” by Wongo Okon on Complex (https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/best-afrofuturism-films/)
    • “The 25 Greatest Afrofuturistic Films of All Time” by Syreeta McFadden on The Root (https://www.theroot.com/the-25-greatest-afrofuturistic-films-of-all-time-1790864522)
    • “The Top 20 Afrofuturism Films” by John-Paul Checkett on Taste of Cinema (https://www.tasteofcinema.com/2017/the-top-20-afrofuturism-films/)
    • “The 10 Best Afrofuturism TV Shows of All Time” by Miles Surrey, The Ringer (https://www.theringer.com/tv/2021/2/26/22303459/best-afrofuturism-tv-shows)
    • “The Best Afrofuturism Shows and Movies to Watch Right Now” by Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone (https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/tv-lists/afrofuturism-tv-movies-watch-1237845/black-lightning-1237856/)
    • https://www.oprahmag.com/entertainment/books/a33079119/best-afrofuturism-books/https://bookriot.com/best-afrofuturism-books/https://www.bustle.com/p/the-13-best-afrofuturism-books-to-read-if-you-love-the-genre-13102944
    • “10 Afrofuturistic Cartoons for the 21st Century”, OkayAfrica
    • “10 Animated Black Superheroes That Deserve Their Own Shows”, CBR
    • “10 Black Animated TV Shows That Deserve A Reboot”, Screen Rant
    • https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/the-50-best-afrofuturist-albums-of-all-time/https://www.npr.org/2021/02/26/971898697/songs-of-afrofuturism-20-21
    • https://www.cbr.com/best-afrofuturistic-comics/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/10-black-comic-book-writers-and-artists-you-should-know
    • https://pitchfork.com/features/lists-and-guides/the-50-best-afrofuturist-albums-of-all-time/https://www.npr.org/2021/02/26/971898697/songs-of-afrofuturism-20-21
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