A Strange Look at Columbus Day….

I was looking for something different to post for this Columbus Day and while searching, I came across a number of “interesting” views of Columbus. For many, including myself, we look at Christopher Columbus as someone who exploited and dehumanized indigenous populations for his personal benefit and is credited with, although technically he did not, […]

Modern Griots Spotlight: Kiini Ibura Salaam

“Sexuality-cum-sensuality is the experiential link between mind and matter, the vivid and eternal refutation of the alleged dichotomy between them. This understanding … is the throbbing glistening heart of Kiini’s body of work. This book is alive. Be not afraid,” is how author Nisi Shawl (Filter House) introduces Kiini Ibura Salaam‘s latest collection of short […]

Otherworldly Videos: Flying Lotus

“Putty Boy Strut” Machines consuming machines.

The My-Stery: We Fear Our Own Creations — From God/dess to “Dr. Funkenstein’ to ‘Monster’

Parliament – “Children of Production” Recently, I read Therí A. Pickens‘ pieces about Kanye West’s “Monster” and it inspired my own thoughts on “Monster” from the view of Frankenstein, which led me to listen to songs from Parliament’s The Clones of Dr. Funkenstein. I wondered how all of these strands of ideas fit together. These […]

What Is Afrofuturism? Part 15: Proto-Afrofuturists

Here are two articles that present previous movements and writers who influence current Afrofuturism and Black Speculative Fiction: “Afrofuturism as an Extension of the Black Arts Movement:” …Tracing Afrofuturism back to its roots, several familiar names stand out. One of those is W.E.B. Dubois, who with his 1920 short story “The Comet” may be the […]

Modern Griots Review: Calling the Names of the Ancestors and Elders…

Last Saturday was a packed day for me. I attended three events — Moving with MUV (Movement for the Urban Village) dance workshop, the screening of My Nappy Roots: A Journey Through Black Hairitage at The Brothers Speak On Natural Beauty and URB ALT Festival with Muthawit and Leon Ware. Moving with MUV involved an […]