Afrofuturism

[ af-roh-fyoo-chuh-riz-uhm ]

noun

1. a cultural movement that uses the frame of science fiction and fantasy to reimagine the history of the African diaspora and to invoke a vision of a technically advanced and generally hopeful future in which Black people thrive: this movement is expressed through art, cinema, literature, music, fashion, etc.

Other Words From

• Af·ro·fu·tur·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Afrofuturism¹

Afro- ( def ) + futurism ( def ); coined by U.S. author and critic Mark Dery (born 1959) in his essay “Black to the Future” (1993) published in Flame Wars: The Discourse of Cyberculture (1994)

Example Sentences

Across the record, she branches out into electronica, jazz, Chicago house and Afrofuturism, as she explores “all the different ways of existing in the world as a black person”.

From BBC

Young authors have hailed her as an architect of feminist science fiction and an optimistic blend of technology and the culture of the African diaspora known as Afrofuturism.

From Seattle Times

Comparing the far-off future that Butler envisioned in 1993 with the out-of-control wildfires, massive megastorms, and rising sea levels and temperatures of modern day 2024 offers a unique opportunity to “explore the themes in the book around climate and community,” Brandon says, as well as “a chance to celebrate Afrofuturism and Octavia Butler’s role and influence in it.”

From Seattle Times

How do you define Afrofuturism?

From New York Times

Ms. Womack, who writes both about the genre and from within it, has curated Afrofuturism events across the country — including Carnegie Hall’s citywide festival — and her work is currently featured in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

From New York Times