Afrofuturism for Advent

The season of Advent calls us to expectant waiting and preparing.

It is a season where the darkness welcomes our dreams.

Afrofuturism calls us to create a world where Black people thrive.

What dreams will you create in this season . . .

What is Advent?

In the Christian tradition, the Season of Advent is a time of expectant waiting and hope. It is a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus, not just as a baby in a manager, but as a liberator and healer in glory and power. It is a season of prophets and apocalypse. It is a season that celebrates the darkness that points us to the mystery of our faith and allows us to see the full beauty of the light.

What is Afrofuturism?

Afrofuturism expresses notions of Black identity, agency and freedom through art, creative works and activism that envision liberated futures for Black life. Afrofuturism is a cultural aesthetic that combines science-fiction, history and fantasy to explore the African-American experience. Afrofuturism tells reimagines the past and tells stories of the future.

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Participant Resources Now Available

Week 1
What is Afrofuturism?
Nov. 28, 6 pm on Zoom

We will explore the tenets of Afrofuturism and how they intersect with themes of liberation and eschatology.

Week 2
Shaping God
Dec. 5, 6 pm on Zoom

Through the work of Octavia E. Butler, we will explore how we shape and are shaped by God.

Week 3
Afrofuturism in the Arts
Dec. 12, 6 pm on Zoom

From Sun Ra to Janelle Monáe, Laura James to Kehinde Wiley, we will look for Afrofuturism in the arts.

Week 4
Shaping the Future
Dec. 19, 6 pm on Zoom

Using AfroRithms from the Future (a storytelling game), we will shape a future where Black people thrive.

BAM Meetup
Saturday, Dec. 16 at 1 pm

For participants near Birmingham, Alabama, we will meet at the Birmingham Art Museum to consider Afrofuturist themes in two current exhibitions.