Afro IS the future

Afrofuturism continues to encompass various meanings to different people. In this collection, I draw upon its other-worldly aspect of Blackness that exists outside of the confines of humanness (see Frank Wilderson III). 

 

I grew up watching Star Trek (the Original, TNG, Deep Space Nine and Voyager) and I recall being enthralled with the alien characters who also presented Black. I loved how they were able to represent the culture in an intergalactic context, occasionally without reprisal or fear based solely upon their skin's appearance.

 

This collection continues where my previous work left off, from a perspective that embraces the fluidity of gender which has been forcibly defined solely by presentation, behavior or the social illusions that have been codified into law. Historically in pre-colonial Africa, as with most indigenous peoples, there existed within many nations and groups a place for non-conforming relationships and the individuals who presented or existed outside of  Western defined binaries. 

 

As a queer identified Black, masculine human I believe that Black folk are destined to re-acquaint ourselves with histories and cultures that thrive outside of the binding imperialist mindset that has for so long shackled us to who we 'are' without the direct consideration of Black folks as Beings. Ultimately, I see the diaspora embracing our future/eternal selves in every manifestation of  our fabulous excellence.