Examining Afrofuturism as a Tool for Social Change and Empowerment

Examining Afrofuturism as a Tool for Social Change and Empowerment

By: Naseed Gifted | Empowering Afrofuturist Visionary

Afrofuturism is a genre that has gained immense popularity in the past few years thanks to its approachable and thought-provoking vision. It is a blend of science fiction, fantasy, and oftentimes Afrocentricity, with deep roots in African American culture. Afrofuturism uses historical context and futuristic elements to imagine what the future of black lives would look like. In this article, we will discuss the potential of Afrofuturism as a tool for social change and empowerment.

The concept of Afrofuturism emerged in the late 1950s, and it was a response to the struggles of the black community. The term Afrofuturism was first coined by Mark Dery in the 1990s and has since developed into a powerful tool for social change and empowerment.  It aimed to create a future where black people can exist beyond the traumas of slavery, colonialism, and racism. It is a genre that envisions the future from a black perspective and celebrates cultural heritage, spirituality, and innovation. Afrofuturism has been implemented in various art forms, including music, literature, and visual arts.

Black people have been creating art, literature, and music that incorporates elements of Afrofuturism for centuries. One of the most famous examples is Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower (1993), a novel that explores a post-apocalyptic world where a young black woman becomes a visionary leader. Other examples include Janelle Monaé’s album The ArchAndroid (2010) which explores themes of identity and rebellion, and Sun Ra’s cosmic jazz that imagines a world where black people are at the center of the universe.

In music, artists like Sun Ra, George Clinton, and OutKast have incorporated Afrofuturism into their work. Sun Ra's sound was heavily influenced by jazz and cosmic themes, and his music touches on visions of life beyond earth. Meanwhile, George Clinton's music combined funk with futuristic themes about identity and belonging. Similarly, OutKast's landmark album "ATLiens" is an exemplary work of Afrofuturism. The album incorporates outer space themes with a spiritual quest for a better future.

Afrofuturism in literature has seen a tremendous rise in recent years. Authors like N.K. Jemisin, Octavia Butler, and Nnedi Okorafor have been recognized for their exceptional work in the genre. Works like "The Fifth Season," "Dawn," and "Who Fears Death" respectively explore themes like time-travel, alien invasion, and post-apocalyptic worlds. These works challenge popular narratives of what the future holds and offer an alternative perspective.

As a powerful tool for social change and empowerment afrofuturism allows black people to envision a future where they have agency and power. It allows them to imagine themselves as the heroes or heroines of their own stories, and to reflect on the ways that their experiences are shaped by systemic oppression. This creates a space where black people can explore issues that are often ignored or dismissed by mainstream society and media. 

By combining traditional African culture with futuristic vision, Afrofuturism provides a unique way of discussing social issues that doesn’t feel overtly didactic or preachy. The incorporation of African spirituality, mythology, and history invites people to view the world through a lens that isn’t always centering white perspectives. It creates a space where black people can tell their stories in a way that is rooted in their cultural traditions but also looks forward to a more equitable future.

Afrofuturism allows for marginalized communities to visualize themselves in a world beyond the traumas of the past. It provides a space for black people to reclaim their identity and imagine their future beyond what society has deemed possible. It seeks to connect the dots between the ancestral past, the present, and the future through the use of science fiction and technology. The movement has become a platform to examine and question traditional chronicles that have neglected or ignored the contributions and the plight of black people. Afrofuturism has been used to challenge common stereotypes of blackness and to create a perspective that rejects these stereotypes, making it more inclusive.

The movement provides a way for marginalized experiences to assert their voice and create their own stories. By imagining alternative futures that center the disenfranchised, Afrofuturism offers a platform for people to imagine what a more just world might look like. In this way, it offers a form of resistance and empowerment by creating space for the imagination of possibilities that may not be considered in the present political or social discourse.

As Afrofuturism continues to gain prominence, its potential for creating real, lasting change becomes ever more apparent. In legislation, Afrofuturist thinking can lead to policies that challenge systemic racism and discrimination. In technology, Afrofuturism inspires innovations that address the specific needs and aspirations of marginalized communities. And in society as a whole, Afrofuturism encourages a shift in perspective towards a more inclusive and just future.

Afrofuturism represents a transformative force in our society, offering a compelling tool for social change and empowerment. By combining traditional African culture with a futuristic lens, Afrofuturist creators push boundaries and challenge existing norms, creating spaces for marginalized voices and envisioning alternative futures. Through art, literature, and music, Afrofuturism disrupts established narratives, influencing legislation, technology, and society to pave the way for a better world that incorporates diverse cultures and experiences. As we continue to explore the possibilities of Afrofuturism, we must recognize its potential for social change and embrace its empowering message.

Naseed Gifted | Empowering Afrofuturist Visionary

A native of Newark, NJ, Naseed Gifted graduated from Science High School. The same school where he is currently a Vice Principal and is now known as Science Park High School; the top ranking high school in Newark, N.J.  Naseed is dedicated to inspiring young people to be science and technology leaders who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community. Skills and lessons he learned while attending New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering. After working for a few corporate organizations Naseed found himself in the classroom again for Newark Public Schools teaching Mathematics and coaching Robotics. He later went on to earn a Masters degree in Education from St. Peter’s University.

Inspired by his son Naseed created a comic book series so his son can see superheroes that looked like him. What was once a childhood hobby catapulted into a passion to change the face of comics. His mission in his graphic expression is to encompass a distinct balance between unprecedented storytelling and exceptional artwork. Published works include self-published AfroFuturism / sci-fi comic book series. P.B.Soldier: “The Awakening” & Jazen, The Rose that Grew from the Concrete, along with short stories: “Occupy Renaissance City” and “Terrorist Act of 2011.” Naseed is also Director/Writer of the short film & animated short P.B.Soldier “Blacklisted”.

In 2015, Naseed founded “Khem Fest,” an annual celebration of Black Animation, Gaming and Comic Book Creators and the Khem Animation Film Festival (KAFF). He is a two-time Glyph Comic Awards Nominee, Urban Action Showcase Nominee, 2020 Pioneer/LifeTime Achievement Award recipient, 2021 I CAN STEM NJ inductee and 2020 Outstanding Alumni Award from NJIT. Naseed regularly travels across the country speaking about Afrofuturism, diversity and using comics to teach Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics - S.T.E.M. 

All of these ventures fall under PBS Media (Phocused Black Star Media) an innovative graphic media company Naseed also founded that partners with the community to raise awareness and social consciousness through creative projects.

Along with the development of the ongoing afrofuturism graphic novel series P.B.Soldier and Jazen, The Rose That Grew From The Concrete; the organization provides animation, app development, apparel, and motion comics from its offices located in Newark, NJ. We serve as a bridge to address the gap in the community.