The Beginner's Guide to Afrofuturism

Greetings, travelers!

Welcome to The Beginner’s Guide to Afrofuturism! I’m Makayla White, your tour guide, curator and writer behind this space where we will embark on an exciting journey through the world of Afrofuturism.

I’m a California transplant that landed on the East Coast almost 10 years ago now. I’m currently living in Philadelphia while finishing up my BA in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and MS in Strategic and Digital Communication at Drexel University. I will graduate in June 2024 and I am beyond excited about what the next part of my journey has in store. This blog is a culmination of my senior project that has taken me on so many wonderful twists and turns.

Afrofuturism is a subject that means so much to me and others. I’m a passionate advocate for Afrofuturism, an Afrofuturist enthusiast and a lifelong learner on a mission to share the wonders of this captivating movement with you. While I may not be an Afrofuturism expert, my enthusiasm and curiosity know no bounds. I’m very excited to explore this dynamic and multifaceted universe alongside you.

Embarking on an Afrofuturistic Odyssey

Before I even knew the term Afrofuturism, its essence danced through my childhood like magical stardust. Picture this: a young me, spellbound by the vibrant music, costumes and dance numbers in “The Wiz” – a film that ignited my fascination with Afrofuturistic mediums.

Little did I know, these early encounters were the seeds of a fervent passion that would later blossom into a profound exploration. As I grew older, I began to understand that the term Afrofuturism was embedded in the various media that shaped my youth. These were beyond mere movies, shows and music; they were gateways to alternate universes.

Fast forward to today, and the Afrofuturism landscape has evolved into quite a breathtaking view. From the groundbreaking “Black Panther” to the mind-bending narratives of “Lovecraft Country” and “Sorry to Bother You,” Afrofuturism has become a cultural force. Musical legends like Erykah Badu, Beyoncé and Janelle Monáe join the ranks of Outkast, Missy Elliot and more, creating songs that have transcended space and time.

Why Afrofuturism?

As Afrofuturism gains momentum, a question often lingers: What is Afrofuturism? With this blog, I aspire to begin to unravel this complex genre, not just as a classification but as a movement. Coined by Mark Dery in 1993, Afrofuturism is more than speculative fiction. The genre serves as a journey through Black identity, agency and freedom. It has become a beacon that, for decades, has illuminated Black creative spaces beyond the confines of everyday restrictions, oppressions and stereotypes.

My journey into Afrofuturism began with a profound realization. In this imaginative realm, the future is not distant and unreachable, but a vehicle for reimagining the past, present and what lies ahead. Afrofuturism is all about unearthing hidden histories, rewriting narratives and propelling marginalized voices to the forefront of futuristic thought. Artists dare to imagine worlds where possible futures become reality, and this blog is my contribution to acknowledging and preserving this vital cultural force.

Expectations & Hopes

In The Beginner’s Guide to Afrofuturism, we’ll take a step-by-step exploration of Afrofuturism’s many facets. Together, we’ll uncover its origins, influence on art, literature, music, TV, film and society, and its potential to reshape our understanding of what the future holds.

The creation of this blog stems from a deep-seated belief that knowledge should be accessible to everyone. Here, you don’t need a degree in literature or art to appreciate the profound ideas embedded within Afrofuturism. I hope that this blog will be a bridge that connects newcomers, enthusiasts and those curious about the movement alike. I want this to be a platform where we can learn, discuss and celebrate Afrofuturism’s power to inspire, empower and effect change.

The Beginner’s Guide to Afrofuturism is far from your ordinary blog and can be used as a portal to abstract dreams and liberated futures. Sun Ra’s words encapsulate the essence of our exploration: “In some far-off place, many light years in space, I’ll wait for you. Where human feet have never trod, where human eyes have never seen. I’ll build a world of abstract dreams and wait for you.”

Let’s Connect

I invite you to join me on this Afrofuturistic journey. Whether you’re new to the movement or a seasoned explorer, I believe there’s something here for everyone. Feel free to follow, reach out, share your thoughts, ask questions or even suggest topics you’d like to explore. Let’s build a welcoming community that values diversity, imagination and the belief that the future can be better than we ever imagined.

I want to thank you for being part of this exciting adventure. Afrofuturism is a boundless universe, and I can’t wait to explore it with you.

Stay curious,

Makayla