Afro-Centered Futurisms in Our Speculative Fiction

This comprehensive and in-depth examination of Afrofuturism and Africanturism expands on how the two differ, their underlying power structures, and more ... a must-purchase for university libraries wishing to expand their collections in this growing area of scholarship that goes beyond pop culture definitions. * Booklist * [S]et to revolutionize the landscape of speculative fiction by amplifying African voices and perspectives. ... The anthology promises to be a vibrant collection that not only showcases diverse African perspectives but also serves as an approachable scholarly text for readers new to Afrocentric fiction. Each chapter delves into how these authors interpret and interrogate Afrofuturism through their unique lenses. ... Bacon’s call to action invites readers to engage with this timely project, which promises not only to illuminate African narratives but also to redefine the boundaries of speculative fiction. * The Journal of African Youth Literature (JAY Lit) * The core strength of Afro-Centered Futurisms in Our Speculative Fiction lies in its nuance. Whether it is searching for inclusive expression, worldbuilding that ingrains freedom into its details, both specificity and fluidity, or advocating for autoethnographic practices, the anthology is committed to expansiveness and accuracy. It shows us how to hold seemingly contradictory approaches simultaneously, thus providing effective analytical frameworks for key concerns in both writing and researching African speculative fiction. * Amirah Muhammad, BSFA Vector * Afro-Centered Futurisms in Our Speculative Fiction offers a vital landscape for readers and scholars alike to engage with Afro-centered narratives more deeply. The book ultimately underscores the importance of fostering a critical awareness of Black speculative fiction within Afrocentric futurisms. Bacon’s editorial vision paves the way for an enriched understanding of African experiences, encouraging a dialogue that expands beyond traditional narratives and invites diverse perspectives into the literary fold. * Arts Hub * Afro-Centered Futurisms in Our Speculative Fiction is an unusually fascinating book that explores and interrogates Afro-centered futurism’s impact on the diaspora. With its chapter-based arrangement, the book draws on ideas involving popular culture, politics, society, gender, sexuality, spirituality, and African history...The book brings together different voices in a new way that generates ideas, educates, and reinforces the need to focus on interdisciplinary interests in the arts and critical debates on Afro-centered speculative fiction, African history, and popular culture from the African diaspora. Overall, this project offers the kind of energy and diversity in themes and topics that one expects from freethinking academics, writers, and artists. -- Dike Okoro, Newberry Library * World Literature Today * This remarkable collection is a treasure of knowledge as each essay explores speculative authors, from the African continent, and their relationship to futurism through their diverse connection to their country (there are 54 countries on the continent) and the impact of language, economy, spirituality, and gender on their writing. This incredible book is just the beginning of delving into the author’s ‘self-as-research,’ as stated in the introduction. I’m excited to re-read their essay in conjunction with their speculative writing. * Linda D. Addison, HWA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient * With its Janus-like gaze, Afro-Centered Futurisms in Our Speculative Fiction celebrates the artistic and cultural forces flourishing worldwide, bringing together an unprecedented cross-disciplinary selection of sophisticated essays by acclaimed Afrodescendants intent on repurposing storytelling. Momentous and quirky. * Dominique Hecq, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia, and award-winning author * This collection of vibrant, insightful, often witty chapters is a deep-dive exploration of African culture/s, histories, futures. It makes a strong case against the notion of a homogeneous ‘Africa,' while celebrating diversity, and laying out pathways for co-existence, for collective understandings and values. The writers take their readers into dystopia and cosmologies, inclusive futurisms and imagined realities, while pointing to the critical importance of nomination, identity, and world-making through story. From the south to the north, from history to the future, in philosophical accounts and excerpts from literary works, it offers a dense and brilliantly illuminated report on Africa: on its rich complexity, and its astounding wealth of image, narrative, and philosophies. * Jen Webb, Distinguished Professor of Creative Practice, University of Canberra, Australia * There are many fine scholars doing wonderful work in African futurism or Afro-centered futurism across the world. The book brings together different voices in a new way that generates ideas, educates, and reinforces the need to focus on interdisciplinary interests in the arts and critical debates on Afro-centered speculative fiction, African history, and popular culture from the African diaspora. Overall, this project offers the kind of energy and diversity in themes and topics that one expects from freethinking academics, writers, and artists. * World Literature Today *