Afrofuturism, sci-fi and why 'it is a radical act for Black people to imagine having a future'
Author Nalo Hopkinson on the power of science fiction and why Black Panther is going to change everything
You may know about Black History Month, but what about Black Future Month? CBC Arts turned to science fiction writer Nalo Hopkinson to find out more about what the future means — and why it's so exciting.
Hopkinson brings her experience as a Black woman to her novels. She's been reading science fiction since she was young, but she came to writing it in her adulthood after discovering that one of the writers she admired was a Black man. Now, she's the award-winning author of six novels, including the acclaimed Brown Girl in the Ring (which is the inspiration for a new movie by Sharon Lewis, called Brown Girl Begins).
In this video, Hopkinson reflects on the power of fantastical writing and how it intersects with Afrofuturism. She also looks forward to the release of Black Panther as a groundbreaking film. And you'll get a good sense of what the future means to this powerful author.
Follow Nalo Hopkinson here.
Watch CBC Arts: Exhibitionists online or on Friday nights at 11:30pm (12am NT) and Sundays at 3:30pm (4pm NT) on CBC Television.
About the Author
Comments
To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.
By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.