Modern Griots: Do You Believe in Magic?

Have you ever heard of Black Herman? Born in Virginia in 1892, the stage magician, entertainer and hoodoo dabbler, whose original name was Benjamin Rucker, was one of the most prominent of his time. Learning his skills from Prince Herman (Alonzo Moore), Rucker took Herman’s name in honor of him after he died in 1909, […]

What Is Afrofuturism? Part 7: From Urban Afrofuturism

Urban Afrofuturism posted on tumblr why afrofuturism is important to him: “This started out rambling thoughts on my thoughts on Afro-Futurism. What it’s become is a long rambling essay/poem (!) on my worldview, my religious thoughts, and what I think of humanity and existence in general. I think I’ve finally found a framework that fully […]

What is Afrofuturism? Part 6: Afro-Surrealism

According to D. Scot Miller, the Afrosurrealist Manifesto goes as follows: (Make sure to go to the end to see my commentary) AFROSURREAL MANIFESTO Black is the new black — a 21st century manifesto By D. Scot Miller For San Francisco Bay Guardian Wednesday May 20, 2009 I’m not a surrealist. I just paint […]

Modern Griots: Lynn Marshall-Linnemeier, A Visual Mythologist

From her website: “I teach but mostly I make journeys. Sometimes I am a photographer; sometimes a painter, writer, historian, documentarian, bohemian artist. But most times, I am all of the above. I am inspired by the magic that occurs when one goes looking for ancestors–those unmapped spaces that are realized on front porches, at […]

Afrofuturism Mix

On the last day of Black History Month, I invite you to check out John Morrison from Liberation Art and Culture Works‘ mixtapes: Black History Month Vol.1: Africa: Center of the World L.A.C.W.-Black History Month 2012 Vol.2: Black Love is an Act of Revolution L.A.C.W.-Black History Month 2012 Vol. 3: What Time is it!?!? It’s […]

“What is Afrofuturism?” Part 5

Oliver Blecher did a post on afrofuturism and its manifesto. Blecher is a doctoral candidate in geography at the University of British Columbia. Currently, he is writing a book on the history of social scientists in the U.S. military, and he frequently writes commentaries on politics and popular culture. I first came across the term […]

Modern Griots Interview: Tunde Olaniran

Tunde Olaniran is a Michigan-based artist who “marches to the beat of his own drum.” The singer, rapper, songwriter and social activist has a background that defies any expectation others may have of him. Growing up in such places as Germany, Nigeria and London, Olaniran was raised by an American social activist mother and a […]

Developing World: Beyond the Frontiers of Science Fiction

Jonathan Dotse from AfroCyberPunk wrote an article a few weeks ago on Institute for Emerging Ethics and Technologies about re-examining science fiction narratives, “developing nations,” and social change: “The future will not be a monopoly of the current superpowers, but lies in the hands of tech-savvy youth from around the world, trying desperately to survive […]

Moving on the Wires: Ladies First

If you are in New York and happen to be free tomorrow, the Brecht forum is presenting an art exhibition called “Ladies First: Our Expansion in Consciousness.” The exhibition will be curated by the Groundfloor Collective (Sophia Dawson, Lehna Huie, Casey Johanna, Alexandria Lust). It is a celebration of black female expression with a spiritual […]

Art of This World

Here is a list of various futuristic artists: 1) Ibrahim Baaith is a Philadelphian model (Model City) and artist, who has featured his work in Brooklyn Art and Afropunk festivals. Baaith uses political themes in his artwork. “PrisonPlanet” 2) Adisa Abeba, who is also known as Olga Lolo, is a Russian visual artist and musician […]