Podcasts about Afrofuturism

Abu and Obssa begin their read-through of Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor. They examine the three layers of the story: the present-day story of Zelu, the far-future robot novel she is secretly writing, and a string of interviews with the people who know her. They also break down Okorafor's career and where the book gets its title. IN THIS EPISODE Meet Zelu: a paraplegic adjunct professor and black sheep of a big Nigerian American family who gets fired and writes her way to a seven-figure book deal Inside Rusted Robots, the novel within the novel, where a war between Humes and Ghosts take over a human-less Earth Why Okorafor insists her work is Africanfuturism, not Afrofuturism, and the difference she draws The Roland Barthes essay this book is arguing against, and how autobiographical the family really is Where Abu and Obssa land after a third of the book, including who's Team Zelu and who's Team Chinyere SUPPORT THE SHOW Keep up with this season's reading schedule: https://sfbc.netlify.app/schedule Keep the conversation going in our free Discord: https://discord.gg/bVrhwWm7j4 Get bonus content and helpful reading materials: https://www.patreon.com/scifibookclubpod Watch the video version of this episode: www.youtube.com/@loreparty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Black horror can be informed by past trauma and that sometimes gives us glimpses of the future. In Octavia Butler's classic 1993 book “Parable of the Sower,” natural disasters are on the rise, people are vanishing, and America just became “Great Again.” Today, some people are looking to genres like Black horror and Afro-Futurism as a guide for the times. In this story from 2025, Reporter Kristal Raheem went to meet Isis Asare owner of Sistah Sci-Fi bookstore, who's helping people navigate our present day reality with speculative fiction. Note: Sistah SciFi has a LOT going on, including another event honoring Octavia Butler's legacy at the San Francisco Library's main branch this Sunday at 2pm. 

Today, an East Bay author channels the monsters of injustice into a new horror novel. Then, one bookstore owner is helping people connect and envision brighter futures.

Our exit today has us smuggling products on the moon and losing tons of money in the process. This week, we are talking about The Adventures of Pluto Nash, written by Neil Cuthbert and directed by Ron Underwood.Along the way, we talk a lot of Eddie Murphy. But we also discuss H.G. Wells, Afrofuturism, Blade Runner, Harlem Renaissance night at the school cafeteria, Rosario Dawson, worldbuilding, wasted opportunities, and one of the most disturbing performances Tripp has ever seen.Theme music by Jonworthymusic.Powered by RiversideFM.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CFF Films⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with Ross and friends.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movies We've Covered on the Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Letterboxd.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Movies Recommended on the Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Letterboxd.

This episode is sponsored by smartwater®Ruth E. Carter is a trailblazing costume designer known for her work on Malcolm X, the Black Panther films, Sinners, and so many more iconic works. She has been awarded Academy Awards, a BAFTA, a Critics Choice Award, the Costume Designers Guild Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But before that, she was exploring Black literature and history in Black Studies-focused enrichment programs in her home state of Massachusetts. When she was a young adult, she was deconstructing clothing and taking notes from grunge scenes, citing Lisa Bonet and Madonna as early beauty and style inspiration. In our conversation, Ruth walks us through her life and career, explaining how the girl who dressed like a grunge artist would introduce Afrofuturism to the world. During our chat, Ruth tells us about how she has always drawn on her interest in literary, dramatic, and visual arts to design on film sets. She shared the initial culture shock she experienced at her HBCU, Hampton, and how the theater department helped her blend her artistic sensibilities with the coiffed presentation of her classmates. Ruth detailed how she drew on these experiences in her first position in School Daze, and how her dedication led to the first of many creative collaborations with directors like Spike Lee, which would shape her career. Our conversation ranges from the specific way she employs the lessons her psychologist mother taught her, like gaining and keeping people's trust, to spending time with Tina Turner. We discussed so much of her portfolio, and what compelled her to begin archiving her designs, which now make up the traveling exhibition “Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design.” Ruth is open about her painstakingly detailed commitment to historical accuracy and how her early exposure to ideas about the future being a site of freedom and exploration shaped the visual identity for Black Panther. Tune in as we discuss:03:35 The Sinners Award Season08:56 Exploring Malcolm X's Time in a Massachusetts Correctional Facility12:50 The Loss of Personal Celebrity Style13:35 How The HBCU Experience Blew Her Mind15:15 Her Experience On School Daze And Working With Spike Lee23:55 Her Love Of Thrifting31:08 Deep Dive Into Her Experience On Sinners Set37:20 Deep Dive Into Her Experience On What's Love Got To Do With It Set40:20 Met Gala Experiences And Thoughts43:50 Deep Dive Into Her Experience On B.A.P.S Set47:44 Early Introduction To Afrofuturism52:02 Her Favorite African Designers52:50 Ruth's Personal Style54:30 The Power of Tailoring1:01:01 Maintaining a Calm Demeanor1:05:08 When Ruth Feels The Most BeautifulRate, Subscribe & Review the Podcast on AppleJoin the Naked Beauty Community on IG: @nakedbeautyplanetThanks for all the love and support. Tag me while you're listening @nakedbeautyplanet & as always love to hear your thoughts :)Check out nakedbeautypodcast.com for all previous episodes & search episodes by topicShop My Favorite Products & Pod Discounts on my ShopMyShelfStay in touch with me: @brookedevardFollow Ruth @therealruthcarter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Judith Jamison dancing in 1988 at Jacob's Pillow on Dance Interactive Linda Celeste Sims performing Cry in 2007 at Jacob's Pillow on Dance Interactive Learn more about host Christian Warner  

Sci-fi author, filmmaker, comic creator, and Hip Hop Horror pioneer Jeff Carroll joins The USDN Podcast for a deep conversation about Black speculative fiction, indie comics, Afrofuturism, Hip Hop culture, horror, AI, filmmaking, and the future of storytelling.Inspired by his documentary Why I Love Sci-Fi, Jeff discusses why imagination matters, how science fiction shapes culture, and why indie comics provide creative freedom that Hollywood often cannot.Topics include:Black sci-fi and AfrofuturismIndie comics & creator-owned storytellingHip Hop horrorAI and speculative fictionComic culture & filmmakingDef Comedy Jam and entertainment historyWhy science fiction mattersThis episode explores creator-owned comics, Black sci-fi, speculative storytelling, comic culture, and the future of independent creativity.If you love indie comics, science fiction, horror, Afrofuturism, worldbuilding, creator interviews, or speculative fiction — this episode is for you.

Send us Fan MailI didn't have the best relationship with my mother growing up, so when I became a father, I leveled up on my healing so I could break that cycle. And, healing is a huge part of this conversation with Sunny, a nonbinary trans artist, photographer, and advertising creative. In this episode of Dem Bois Podcast, Sunny and I discuss the impact of their upbringing, the complexities of maternal relationships, and the significance of therapy in their life. Sunny also explains the concepts of Afrofuturism and surrealism, highlighting how these artistic movements influence their work.We talk:08:55 - Navigating gender identity and expression14:56 - Cultural expectations and parenting27:13 - Defining nonbinary identity36:21 - Navigating family dynamics48:04 - The power of art and community59:29 - Building confidence through photographyEpisode References:The Brown Boi ProjectDem Bois Highlight Series Part 5; with Joël SimeuA video of an adopted person speaking to their birth parent Dem Bois Episode 12 - Healing Generational Trauma Through Transformative ParentingRead more about Sunny in their bio below:Sunny (They/He) is a nonbinary, transmasc artist, photographer and advertising creative with a background in Black feminist theory, gender studies and pedagogy. Through “poetry in motion,” their art centers afrofuturism, surrealism and the radical beauty of joy.IG: SPICECAMVISUALSIG: COMPLEX.SUNTT: SPICEDADCelebrate 10 years of Dem Bois Inc.!2026 marks ten years of Dem Bois Inc. To honor this milestone, we invite you to join our 10 for 10 campaign by giving $10 a month to help sustain the care, leadership, and visibility that trans men of color deserve.Your support helps build a future rooted in care, visibility, and possibility.Donate today!Donate today to support Transmasc Gender Affirming Grants and Community Wellness Packages for Trans Men of Color!The  Visibility = Possibility™️ Merch is here! - Not just merch, but a movement! Dem Bois Community Voices Facebook Group is a safe, moderated sanctuary where trans men of color can connect authentically, discuss podcast episodes, share powerful experiences, and build support networks. Dem Bois YouTube Channel! - @demboisinc - Exclusive content you won't find anywhere else!

Progressive education is a world-building project rooted in the radical hope that schools can become something fit for human beings.This summer, HRP is reading Pedagogies of Collapse: A Hopeful Education for the End of the World As We Know It, by Ginie Servant-Miklos, and we're inviting you to join us. Visit humanrestorationproject.org/book-club to sign up for our summer book club, where we'll meet to discuss the ideas and implications of Pedagogies of Collapse and be joined by the author, for a Q&A on July 31. I'll include a link to the book in the show notes, which is available on Open Access through Bloomsbury. Hope to see you there!The HRP team has been on the road for 3 of the last 4 weeks. At the end of April, we were on the ground working with Third Coast Learning Collaborative schools in Michigan. Last week, we were in Boston for school visits, meeting with folks at the Boston Museum of Science about an upcoming grant partnership, and I went to prison with Jennifer Berkshire to sit in on her journalism class at MCI-Shirley. At the time of recording, I'm headed to Ohio to present student listening reports to school districts who held focus groups this year based around student agency. This is all to say I don't have an epic 90 minute conversation or hour-long topical deep dive for you this week, but what I will offer is an audio reading of the opening piece from our revised Progressive Education Primer, it's called We Are Worldbuilders. See you in two weeks!HRP Book ClubPedagogies of Collapse, Bloomsbury Open AccessWe Are Worldbuilders, Nick CovingtonAdditional music credits: Dandelion by | e s c p | https://www.escp.space | https://escp-music.bandcamp.com

In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Douriean Fletcher!About Douriean Fletcher: An acclaimed jewelry designer and artisan whose work bridges adornment and storytelling. She was the specialty jeweler for Marvel's Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and became the first jewelry artist to be part of an Academy Award–winning costume design team—an honor she achieved twice. Douriean has expanded into spacial adornment art, creating large-scale installations and immersive environments.In our conversation, Douriean Fletcher discusses her exhibition, Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture, at the Walters Art Museum and how a ring in the museum's collection became a touchstone for the show. Years ago, she found an ancient Egyptian brass and red jasper ring online—covered in hieroglyphics and telling a story of religious belief, culture, and tradition. She saved the image, not knowing it belonged to the Walters. When putting together the exhibition, she showed the curator that same image—and found out it was part of the museum's collection all along.Fletcher also talks about the parallels between her pieces and objects in the Walters' collection, including a sculpture of Isis and Horus that reminded her of the Dogon sculptures she referenced in the Ramonda dress for Wakanda Forever. She discusses her move from wearable jewelry to larger spacial adornment that transforms gallery spaces.Be sure to check out Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture at the Walters Art Museum — https://thewalters.org/exhibitions/douriean-fletcher/Photo courtesy of subject. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★

This week on the Friday LIVE Extra podcast, The House of Afros, Capes & Curls founder Jade Rogers talks about Black Fae Day, an outdoor celebration that blends fantasy, folklore and Afrofuturism.

This week on the Friday LIVE Extra podcast, The House of Afros, Capes & Curls founder Jade Rogers talks about Black Fae Day, an outdoor celebration that blends fantasy, folklore and Afrofuturism.

A brief take on Ta-Nehisi Coates's Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda, tracing how “Star Wars for Black people” becomes a framework for merging Afrofuturism, slave narrative traditions, and large-scale Black representation in comics. Written by Howard Rambsy IIRead by Kassandra Timm

In this episode of Candid Conversations, Fatima Bah speaks with Henry Maidoh and Shanna Coulanges from the Uhuru Journal at McGill University. Together, they explore Afrofuturism—what it is, why it matters, and how it shapes this year's vision for the journal.

Is Community-Based Artmaking at the Heart of Cultural Democracy?In this conversation, community arts organizer, educator and theater maker Matt Schwarzman describes his mission to make collaborative art making a regular, normal, expected part of everyday life. A movement that has quietly grown for decades, but now faces a new test in a time of democratic strain.Along the way, he traces his influences from John o' Neill and the Free Southern the to the grassroots cultural movements of the 1980s and 90s that helped shape a generation of artists who see culture not as decoration but as civic infrastructure.Matt's journey winds through several decades of cultural organizing from sea to era arts jobs in Philadelphia to community organizing in Oakland and youth theater in post Katrina New Orleans.Across these projects, a single thread emerges the idea that community arts is a learnable, cross sector civic practice, an amalgam of organizing, teaching and art making.In our conversation, we talk about:The influence of seminal cultural leaders like John O'Neal, whose minimalist storytelling and story circle methodology help build national networks of cultural democracyHow youth arts programs can serve as modern rites of passage that help young people claim civic voice and leadershipAnd how storytelling, imagination and collective creation are foundational skills for sustaining democratic life.Notable MentionsPeopleMat Schwarzman – Trinity City ArtsCommunity arts organizer, educator, theater maker, and co-creator of Trinity City Comics and A Beginner's Guide to Community-Based Arts.John O'Neal – SNCC Digital GatewayPlaywright, storyteller, organizer, and founder of Junebug Productions; a key influence on Schwarzman's understanding of cultural democracy and story circles.Keith Knight – K ChroniclesCartoonist and collaborator with Mat Schwarzman on A Beginner's Guide to Community-Based Arts.Rhodessa Jones – Cornell Arts & SciencesPerformer, teacher, and co-artistic director of Cultural Odyssey, cited in the episode through her theater work with formerly incarcerated women.Rinku SenOrganizer, strategist, and writer whose work at the Center for Third World Organizing helped shape Schwarzman's understanding of community organizing.Gary Delgado – American UniversityOrganizer, scholar, and founder of the Center for Third World Organizing; one of the people Schwarzman credits with teaching him organizing practice.Steve Prince – Studio WebsiteArtist and educator who worked with Trinity City Arts and helped mentor youth comic-makers on Trinity City Comics.Judith Malina – The Living TheatreCo-founder of the Living Theatre, referenced for her writing on the artist's role during periods of counter-revolution.Octavia E. Butler – Hachette author pageVisionary novelist whose Afrofuturist imagination and Parable novels deeply influence Schwarzman's current work.Robert M. Sapolsky – Stanford ProfileNeuroscientist and writer whose work on behavior, biology, and violence informs Schwarzman's thinking.PlacesNew Orleans / BolbanchaSchwarzman's home base and the setting for much of his current work; he names it as Bolbancha, “the place of many tongues.”PhiladelphiaCity where Schwarzman began his paid community arts work at Big Small Theater and connected with the Painted Bride Art Center.OaklandWhere Schwarzman trained in organizing through the Center for Third World Organizing and developed the East Bay Institute for Urban Arts.Alameda, CaliforniaBill Cleveland's home base, acknowledged in the episode as Ohlone land.San Francisco Bay AreaThe broader region where Schwarzman worked at New College of California and built his arts-and-organizing practice.EventsComprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA)Federal jobs program that helped support the arts position Schwarzman took in Philadelphia in the mid-1980s.Hurricane KatrinaThe storm whose aftermath shaped Schwarzman's New Orleans youth theater work, including the Creative Forces Youth Theater Company.Chicago Conference of the Alliance for Cultural Democracy ArchiveReferenced in the episode as one of the gatherings that connected Schwarzman to a wider national arts-and-democracy network.Junebug Productions: Our StoryThe institutional home for John O'Neal's post–Free Southern Theater work, including the Junebug Jabbo Jones performances mentioned in the episode.PublicationsA Beginner's Guide to Community-Based Arts, 2nd EditionComics-illustrated guide co-authored by Mat Schwarzman and Keith Knight, designed to demystify community-based arts practice.Parable of the SowerOctavia Butler's novel, cited by Schwarzman as a major influence on Trinity City Comics and his interest in Afrofuturism.Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and WorstRobert Sapolsky's wide-ranging study of the biological roots of behavior, referenced in the conversation as a current fascination.Do Dogs Laugh?Jake Page's popular science book on canine behavior, cited by Schwarzman in relation to theater, performance, and social roles.AcknowledgementsFrom Freesound.orgbeautiful or ominous music box.wav by xtrgamr -- https://freesound.org/s/268511/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Eerie Horror Background Music with Ominous Dark Atmosphere by Matio888 -- https://freesound.org/s/793481/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Audio Exerpt:"Don't Start Talking...Junebug Jabbo Jones”Stevenson J. Palfi's 1985 television adaptation of playwright/actor John O' Neal's bravura one-man theater piece."Don't Start Me Talking Or I'll Tell You Everything Know. Sayings From the Life and Writings of Junebug Jabbo Jones” was created by O' Neal as the final production of the Free Southern Theater, which had been formed in 1963 to be a cultural arm of the Civil Rights Movement.The play was developed in the community workshop-feedback style with O'Neal's principle collaborator, the theater director Steven Kent,#ANALOGLAB.ORG#ANALOG LAB#SOUTHEAST MEDIA PRODUCTION...

Presented by SmartStop Self Storage, this week's episode of SheEO Lead-In, we listen to our host, Rebecca Jones, engaging in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. LaWana Richmond, Philosopher, Futurist, Afrofuturism Practitioner. Dr. LaWana discusses the origins and impact of Afrofuturism, emphasizing its inclusivity and social justice roots. She highlights her work with the Black Speculative Arts Movement and her extensive public speaking engagements. She shares her journey from being shy to becoming a confident leader, stressing the importance of collaboration and intentionality. Dr. LaWana also addresses the challenges of being a female leader and the significance of teaching children to be proactive and accountable. Upcoming events include talks on Afrofuturism at UC San Diego, Heart Space, and Rady Children's Hospital.We want to thank our incredible sponsor, SmartStop Self Storage, a leader in self storage real estate, and a company that upholds its core principles of leading together, embracing change and enhancing everyone's journey. To learn more about SmartStop, please visit SmartStop Self Storage. Thank you for being a part of the SheEO Lead-In community!  Please be sure to share our episodes and subscribe to this storage vault of wisdom and knowledge, built by women and for women.

A new report from Children First called “Pa'Lante – State of Hispanic Children” shows that Hispanic children in Philadelphia are not receiving equitable access to things like education and health care. Racquel Williams talks with representatives from Children First about their initiative based on this report, bringing people together from across the city to support Hispanic children and help them use their unique skills and experiences to thrive. Then, Shara Dae Howard visits the African American Museum in Philadelphia to get a peek at their “Afrofuturism in Costume Design” exhibit, highlighting the work of Ruth E. Carter - including “Black Panther”, "Do the Right Thing", and “Sinners”, which is nominated for 16 Oscars this year. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Diosa and Mala discuss Latino/Latinx futurism and its roots in Afrofuturism and Indigenous futures. They breakdown how Octavia Butler was a major inspiration for Herederxs in Space, a joint-project with Pizza Shark, a Latina-led production company. Herederxs in Space is an audio-phonic time capsule spanning 2016–2036, combining present-day oral histories, speculative podcasts, and an immersive installation. You can join the living time capsule here. Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/locatora_productionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trail 103.3 is proud to once again be a media partner of the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Missoula — and this week we're welcoming filmmakers, directors, and special guests into the Trail studio for quick conversations about the films lighting up the festival.In this episode, Mike Smith sits down with Peter Nauffts (archival producer) to talk about Sun Ra: Do the Impossible — the American Masters documentary spotlighting the poet, philosopher, Egyptologist, bandleader, and jazz visionary Sun Ra, and his ever-evolving ensemble, the Sun Ra Arkestra. The film traces how Sun Ra built a singular musical and spiritual vision of Afrofuturism, blending ancient Egypt, interstellar metaphors, and boundary-pushing free-form jazz. Peter also breaks down what archival producing actually looks like today (the sifting, the treasure-hunting, the format headaches, and the magic of finding the right shot), plus why Sun Ra's work still feels like it's broadcasting from the future.Film info (Big Sky Doc Fest): Sun Ra: Do the Impossible (84 min) — Director/Producer: Christine Turner. Montana Premiere — Screening at the ZACC: Wed, Feb. 18 @ 8:30 PM, followed by a conversation between MTPR's Bryan Ramirez and Peter Nauffts. 

What does it look like to coach teachers with humanity, curiosity, and care—especially in today's demanding educational landscape? In this episode of the Time for Teachership podcast, Lindsay welcomes back Dr. Jacobē Bell to explore what it truly means to take a humanizing approach to instructional coaching. Drawing on her experience coaching instructional coaches across multiple contexts, Dr. Bell shares practical strategies, mindset shifts, and real coaching moments that help educators grow while protecting their wellbeing. This conversation is part of a mini-series focused on supporting instructional coaches, particularly those who step into the role without formal preparation and are learning "by fire." What You'll Learn in This Episode/Key Takeaways  Humanizing Coaching Coaching is not just about instruction—it's also about emotional awareness, wellness, and meeting educators where they are. Coaches can balance accountability with care by centering teachers as co-producers of knowledge. Afrofuturism, Freedom Dreaming & Coaching Dr. Bell connects Afrofuturism to instructional coaching by imagining a future where educators experience wellness, contentment, and sustainability. A powerful vision: coaching that empowers educators without burning them out. Mindset Shifts from Teacher to Coach Moving from classroom teaching to coaching requires seeing the whole system, not just individual practice. Coaches must navigate adult belief systems, values about students, and differing perspectives—often without making everyone happy. Micro-Modeling as a Coaching Strategy Instead of modeling an entire lesson, Dr. Bell advocates for micro-modeling: Coaches model a short instructional move Teachers immediately practice it with students Coaches give real-time feedback This approach helps shift beliefs about student ability and leads to immediate, tangible growth. Surfacing Beliefs with Curiosity Strategies for navigating hard conversations: Reflecting teachers' words back to them Asking open, curiosity-driven questions Lowering defensiveness by naming uncertainty or even "blaming" your coaching Assuming best intentions opens the door to vulnerability and growth. Live Coaching with Care Live coaching can include gently interrupting or questioning moments of instruction—but only after trust and norms are established. Asking teachers how they prefer to be coached is a critical first step. Authenticity Over One-Size-Fits-All There is no single "right" way to coach. Effective coaching grows from authenticity, relationships, and listening—not rigid formulas. Sustainability & Change Management Dr. Bell shares her current learning focus on sustaining change in schools over time. Sustainable improvement requires planning for longevity from day one—not just short-term wins. Timestamps [00:00] Welcome & reintroduction of Dr. Jacobē Bell [01:00] Coaching as "baptism by fire" & the need for coach-specific professional learning [02:04] Dr. Bell's background coaching instructional coaches across contexts [02:35] Afrofuturism, freedom dreaming, and instructional coaching [03:55] Initiative fatigue, educator wellness, and a humanizing coaching vision [05:17] Teachers as co-producers of knowledge in coaching conversations [05:58] Shifting from a teacher mindset to a coach mindset [06:33] Coaching former peers & navigating leadership tensions [07:21] Seeing instruction systemically across teams and schools [08:29] Beliefs, values, and meeting students' needs through coaching [09:15] Practical coaching tools & action steps [10:29] Micro-modeling as a powerful coaching strategy [11:52] Shifting beliefs about "harder" or "lower" students through practice [13:21] Real-time feedback and immediate teacher implementation [15:11] Logistical realities: making micro-modeling work in real schools [16:48] Flexibility in coaching cycles and time constraints [18:00] Surfacing values and beliefs in coaching conversations [19:04] Reflecting teacher language back to them as a coaching move [20:00] Lowering defensiveness by "blaming the coaching" [21:02] Vulnerability, honesty, and seeing the whole teacher [22:29] Assuming best intentions and leading with curiosity [23:17] Live coaching moments & addressing problematic language in the classroom [24:42] Establishing norms for live coaching [25:23] Entry points for new instructional coaches [26:19] Authenticity over one-size-fits-all coaching approaches [27:47] Rapport, relationships, and trust as the foundation of coaching [28:12] What Dr. Bell is learning now: sustainability & change management [29:32] Where to connect with Dr. Jacobē Bell [29:42] Closing reflections & gratitude   Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/245   Connect With Guest Dr. Jacobē Bell:  LinkedIn: Dr. Jacobē Bell 

We are joined this week by author, screen writer, and friend of the show, Briana Cox to talk about Ryan Coogler's endeavors under the banner of the Marvel Cinematic universe: Black Panther 1 and 2. Both movies feature Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, Letitia Wright, Martin Freeman, among many others. Looking back we discuss the impact the first film had on the culture, our love/hate relationship with the first film and the failures of the second, how both movies sugar coat the CIA's history of violating the sovereignty of African nations, and one of the most important thing the movies did was open mainstream audiences to the beauty of Afrofuturism.To check out some of the works mentioned during the episode, follow these links:Born in FlamesSpace is the PlaceNaked RealityBeasts of the Southern WildSpider-Man: Into the Spider-VerseSpider-Man: Across the Spider-VerseInto the Mother Lands: An Afrofuturist TTRPGGuest LinksOfficial WebsitePreorder Indigent!Briana on InstagramBriana on ThreadsLeft of the Projector LinksOfficial WebsiteLeft of the Projector on InstagramLeft of the Projector on PatreonLeft of the Projector on ThreadlessHost LinksEvan's LetterboxdBill's InstagramBill's LetterboxdWard's...

It's officially been 8 years since we first stepped into Wakanda.

Stephen Torrence joins Vince Fakhoury Horn to share his experience teaching generative AI in Bhutan and explore the audacious vision behind the Gelephu Mindfulness City — a million-person city being built by Bhutan's King to prove that mindfulness, technology, and economic development can coexist.

Happy February, Friends❤️

Is there life in the Venusian Clouds? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are joined by planetary astrobiologist David Grinspoon to discuss NASA's return to Venus, our space future, and whether we'll find life in our solar system. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can listen to this entire episode commercial-free.Thanks to our Patrons Nick Pullia, Sean Cater, Keith Reiss, Seph Gordon, Charlie Viola, Miguel Rangel, Andrew Ferguson, JeAnnette Elaine Thomas, Hugh Caley, Daniel Weber, Chris, Peter Grossman, Darryl Baker, Joyce A Edwards, Maxim, Joshua Richard, Patrick ridlon, Kathleen Reardon, David Watts, Angelina Bryant, Liza, Dave Holloway, Ricardo Andrés Morales Muñoz, Damian Wilson, m. szachacz, Vince Johnson, Lucy, Randal Walcott, Rachel Ambrose, andrew wong, Richard Hudson, Peter Galindo, Mehdi Degryse, Carl Starr M.D., Rodrigo De Luca Comelli, Christian Harris, Ryan Grillo, Jose Villavicencio, Kell, Russ, Mota Ephrahim, Andre Campos-Gomez, Catherine Noiboonsook, Sam McClure, Jerry Taylor, Ian Howarth, Gerrard Lobo, Jordan Strauch, Pretender to the Throne, Dustin, Bulbacats, Jim Mirra, Matt, Adrian Martinez, GuruMojo - Kenny, Malcolm Townes, Russell, Vincent Thomas, Caleb Winters, Carsten, Frank, Andrew Sabado, Roger beeper, Jason Burden, lilacjasminetea, Eric, Samantha, Eric Sneddon, philip griffiths, Christian Chidester, Bruce Berky, Bill Polskoy, Maddux Hammer, Tim Neumark, nathan burcl, Paul Santos, Tognia, sugar, Mike Vacay, Niklas lundkvist, JaneB, Gutek, Natalie & Dad, Ashley, J Sh-Wood, Alexej Muehlberg, and Emery for supporting us this week. Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of StarTalk Radio ad-free and a whole week early.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Author and psychiatrist Justin C. Key returns to Caught on the Mike for a powerful, in-depth conversation surrounding his new novel The Hospital at the End of the World. In this episode, we dive into AI in healthcare, the dangers of automation, the human cost of data-driven medicine, and how real-world medical training inspired one of the most timely speculative fiction novels of the year. Justin shares insight from his work as a practicing psychiatrist, the evolution from short fiction to novel writing, and why human connection in medicine can never be replaced by technology. We also talk Afrofuturism, dystopian fiction, medical ethics, and the future of storytelling in the age of AI.

Black Future Fest is a month-long celebration focusing on Afrofuturistic art, fashion and community imagination in Iowa City. On this episode, Black Future Fest organizer Latasha DeLoach and professor of journalism and African American Studies Venise Berry join to discuss Afrofuturism and the upcoming events. Later, reflecting on the legacy of Lee Swearengin, who spent decades of his life institutionalized, but made tremendous contributions to Iowa archeology.

We're kicking off 2026 with something different. TeaRon and BK review the independent sci-fi film Underneath: Children of the Sun, a passion project years in the making that has already pulled in over 800K views on YouTube—a major win for indie cinema.Directed by David Kirman, the film is set in 1850s Missouri, where a man's chance encounter with an alien survivor from a crashed spacecraft pulls him into a much larger intergalactic conflict. The result is an ambitious blend of Black history, cosmic politics, and generational legacy.TeaRon and BK break down the film's impressive visuals, bold ideas, and its decision to weave a slavery storyline into a sci-fi epic—while questioning whether the story fully delivers on its massive promise.Is Underneath proof of what Black audiences are craving—and a glimpse into the future of independent filmmaking—or does its ambition outpace its execution?––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Follow Us:IG: @tearonworld / @bkwitda4fa4TT: @tearon__ / @bkgostupidFB: facebook.com/UbiquitousBlacksTHRD: @ubiquitousblacks––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––About UBIQUITOUS BLACKS Podcast:Ubiquitous Blacks is an internationally focused podcast that explores similarities and differences of the Black/African diaspora experiences around the world. The goal is to shed light on the differences and similarities between us all, while learning to celebrate those very things.World News, Politics, Pop Culture and More are discussed by host TeaRon and an array of awesome guests.Send us a textSupport the showFollow and Interact With Us: Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Threads

This is final installment of the intellectually charged and hilariously honest conversation with special guest Antonio Michael Downing and the Everyday Black Men podcast consisting of Riker, Reed, Sham, The Rider, White Collar Suge, and the Black Libertarian. Together they take a deep dive into Black literacy, cultural legacy, and uncomfortable truths. The crew tackles why many Black Americans struggle with reading, linking it to slavery, survival, parenting, and a lack of cultural infrastructure — all while debating if white authors dominate the bookshelf too heavily. Antonio Michael shares how the King James Bible and his grandma's poor eyesight jumpstarted his love for literature, leading to a lifelong relationship with reading and soft hands. The conversation detours through spicy commentary on Kamala Harris, Jamaican cultural contradictions, and literary hot takes on Lovecraft, Robert Greene, and Gogol. With humor, heat, and unexpected depth, the episode challenges listeners to consider how stories are passed down — or left behind in Black communities.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/everyday-black-men--2988631/support.

Time for another detour! An introduction to Afrofuturism with two magnificent guests. You can follow the podcast on social media on Threads, Instagram and Bluesky. If you would like to be a patron of the podcast it would be greatly appreciated! You can join Patreon and for £3 or $3 a month you can get ad free version of the show. https://www.patreon.com/everyscififilm The symbol mentioned in the podcast a few times is the Sankofa symbol which is a recurring symbol in Afrofuturism. It represents the idea that there are things that you go back for (and things you leave behind). You can read more about it on this wiki page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sankofa Julian Chambliss is a scholar and a professor at Michigan State University. He is the author of multiple books including Mapping Afrofuturism: Understanding Black Speculative Practice Ytasha Womack is a filmmaker, cultural critic and author of the books Afrofuturism: The World of Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Culture and The Afro Futurist Evolution: Creative Paths of Self Discovery.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:18 Afrofuturism origin story 08:04 Afrofuturism and science fiction 11:44 Retro Afrofuturism: Of One Blood by Pauline Hopkinson 16:37 The diaspora and Afrofuturism 19:53 Dance and the individual as a nexus of time and space 23:24 Ancestry in Afrofuturism 25:32 Moving away from dystopia: Slavery as apocalypse 29:55 Optimism for the future 33:03 Holistic utopias and protopia. 35:43 Mystical frameworks 38:15 Alternative realities and the multiverse 41:38 Theory, practice and interconnectedness 46:21 Recommendations   Recommendations:  The Afro Futurist Evolution: Creative Paths of Self Discovery by Ytasha Womack (I would also thoroughly recommend her book Afrofuturism: The World of Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Culture.) Agharta by Miles Davis Blake; or The Huts of America: A Tale of the Mississippi Valley, the Southern United States, and Cuba by  Martin Delany Space is the Place by Sun Ra Lee "Scratch" Perry George Clinton Mothership Connection by Parliament Pedro Bell and Overton Loyd Beyond the Black Panther exhibition at MSU Rise podcast by Julian Infinitum by Tim Fielder   NEXT EPISODE! Next time we'll be talking about Dr Strangelove or: How I learned to Stop Worrying and love the Bomb (1964)! You can watch the film pretty much anywhere and it is readily available to buy or rent online from many platforms. I would also recommend watching Fail Safe from the same year because it is excellent, affected the production of Dr Strangelove and due to their similarities.  

2025 Maya Angelou Book Award winner Alison C. Rollins joins co-hosts Whitney Terrell and V. V. Ganeshananthan to discuss her 2024 poetry collection Black Bell. She explores the history and symbolism of a bell-laden iron device used to control and torture enslaved people and describes the replica she created after studying metalworking. She also recounts the story of Harriet Jacobs, who spent seven years hidden in her grandmother's attic before escaping slavery. Rollins talks about how her poems engage in call and response with other texts, including the music of Sun Ra and Stevie Wonder and images connected to ornithology, anatomy, Afrofuturism, and the history of slavery. She reflects on who has historically been granted the title of “poet” in America and discusses the archival research behind her writing. Rollins rings a glass bell and reads several poems from Black Bell.To hear the full episode, subscribe through iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app (include the forward slashes when searching). You can also listen by streaming from the player below. Check out video versions of our interviews on the Fiction/Non/Fiction Instagram account, the Fiction/Non/Fiction YouTube Channel, and our show website: https://www.fnfpodcast.net/This podcast is produced by V.V. Ganeshananthan, Whitney Terrell, Amelia Fisher, Victoria Freisner, Wil Lasater, and S E Walker. Alison C. RollinsBlack BellLibrary of Small CatastrophesOthers:Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet JacobsThe Divine Comedy - Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso by Dante AlighieriThe Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. LewisThe Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. TolkienWu - Tang Clan - Enter The Wu - Tang (36 Chambers) [Full Album Mix] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As always there are spoilers ahead! We've discussed Czech scifi before with Karel Zeman's gorgeous steam punk offering from 1958 Invention for Destruction (dubbed into the English language The Fabulous World of Jules Verne) and we've also covered Communists in Space with 1960s The Silent Star (AKA First Spaceship on Venus). The Czech Ikarie XB-1 (1963) has connections to both of those films but also offers an aesthetic that seems to directly inspire Kubrick for 2001: A Space Odyssey. The year is 2163, communism has won, and a crew of 40 are sent to find life on the white planet in Alpha Centauri with a journey fraught with sociological, psychological and physical challenges. I have two amazing academics to help give insight into the film. Evan Torner is an Associate Professor of German Studies and Niehoff Professor of Film & Media Studies at the University of Cincinnati. Simon Spiegel is a lecturer of Film Studies at the University of Zurich. He has written extensively about Science Fiction and Utopia and has just released the book The Fear of Knowing about spoilers in film and media. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:11 Stanislaw Lem's The Magellanic Cloud 04:28 Czechoslovakian New Wave and film industry 09:49 The striking introductory scenes and Kubrick's 2001 13:05 Cabin fever in spaaace! 15:13 Music by Zdeněk Liška 16:57 Communist utopia in spaaace! 20:57 The draw of sociological stories 26:19 A utopian party and a red alert 28:15 The capitalist ship and the 20th century 32:47 Putting science into sci-fi 39:30 Evan's Dark Matter Shenanigans 42:21 Post Stalin faith 43:41 The ending 45:39 The US edit 47:27 Legacy 52:18 Recommendations     NEXT EPISODE! I will be taking a detour next episode to talk about Afrofuturism which I've been wanting to discuss since the very early days of research before I launched the podcast. Almost two years late but I hope you enjoy it. After that we will be discussing Dr Strangelove and I would recommend you also watch Fail Safe (also 1964) if you have time.  

In this season four premier, Nancey speaks with writer, griot, culture worker, healer, and diviner, Sara Makeba Daise to talk about recognition, knowing your worth, and accepting your ancestral calling. Sara shares a dream story about being recognized in non-traditional spaces and what it taught her about using her voice. Sara Makeba Daise, MA (she/her) is a Black, queer, fifth-generation Gullah Geechee Writer, Griot, Cultural Worker, Healer and Diviner from Beaufort, SC. She works passionately at the intersections of Afrofuturism, ancestor veneration, intergenerational healing, Black queer erotics & desire, and African Diasporic rituals, history & culture - particularly in The South. As a writer, Sara explores these topics through memoir, prose, folklore and speculative fiction.Daughter of Storytellers, Culture Bearers, and stars of Nick Jr.'s Gullah Gullah Island, Ron & Natalie Daise, Sara's multidisciplinary approach builds on their continuous work of worldbuilding, archiving and affirming Black life.  Sara's acclaimed 2020 essay "Be Here Now: The South is a Portal", published in Root Work Journal, uplifts the South as a portal for Africana and Indigenous resistance and ways of knowing. Her debut book, Sankofa Shadow Work: Diaries of a Diasporic Diviner (2025), is a literary cosmogram blending memoir, public history, fabulation, and conjure. Following the life and death cycles of a queer Black Diviner, Griot, and Gatekeeper, the stories invite readers to explore their shadows, center pleasure, and heal backwards and forwards in the face of systemic terror. Purchase Sankofa Shadow Work: https://www.saramakeba.com/store/p/signed-copy-of-sankofa-shadow-workVisit Sara's Website: www.saramakeba.comFollow Sara on Substack: @saramakebaFollow the show on IG: @dreamingincolorpodFollow Nancey on IG @nanceybprice and TikTok @nanceybpriceMusic by Omar Faruque from Pixabay

What happens when the King of Wakanda must confront not only an army of undead but also the ghosts of his own past? In Black Panther: Sins of the Father, T'Challa strives to embody excellence—as a fair and worthy king, a global citizen, and an Avenger. But when Wakanda faces its most chilling threat yet, The Black Panther turns to his long-lost father in a battle against forces that test his leadership, his legacy, and his humanity. In this episode, we sit down with acclaimed author Tananarive Due to explore how she brought this gripping Marvel story to life. A former journalist turned award-winning novelist, Due is celebrated for her African Immortals and Tennyson Hardwick series, and has been honored with the American Book Award, Carl Brandon Award, Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award, and multiple Bram Stoker Awards. Her work blends horror, history, and Afrofuturism to illuminate the human condition through genre storytelling. You'll also hear excerpts from the audio adaptation, performed by The Good Place's William Jackson Harper, who voices every character with electrifying depth. On Plus, A Black Friday Special

Joining us this month on Rhythmic Realms is our special friend Roquetzal taking us on a journey through rich Afro and organic house textures. A blend of deep grooves, earthy percussion, and forward-thinking melodies. From tracks like ION by Brian Cid to Afrofuturism by Da Capo & Kajo , this set moves fluidly between warm rhythms and sleek, futuristic edges. It's an invitation to explore, to get lost in the layers, and to let the music reveal new shapes in motion. ⚡️Like the Show? Click the [Repost] ↻ button so more people can hear it!

Joining Lisa this week is daughter-father duo Theresa J. May and James May. Theresa is a professional trumpeter, educator, and advocate from Shaker Heights, Ohio. James May is a native Clevelander and was the founder, music director and bandleader of Gabriel's Horns®, a 21-piece inter-generational community jazz-praise big band from 2002 -2023. Theresa and James discuss the importance of joy in musicking, Theresa's work with Afrofuturism, and reflect on mentoring young musicians. Season 8 co-host George Blake expands on themes of autonomy, fun, and blossoming brought up in the interview.Mid-episode music credit: “Afrofuturism: Black Lives Will Exist in the Future,” performed by Theresa J. May and Megan Denman, composed by Shanyse Strickland. Additional performance credits listed at link. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1luwWjOISvQTheresa's websiteTheresa's Facebook and InstagramYoutube video of Theresa's Afrofuturism projectAccompanying context on Afrofuturism projectGabriel's Horns performs at Trinity Cathedral (Cleveland, 2021)Cleveland.com article about Gabriel's Horns and the Salvation ArmyGabriel's Horns Facebook page

And.... action! Vogue World: Hollywood took place yesterday at the historical Paramount Lot and what a show it was! Combining fashion and cinema, we saw clothes from costume designers like Colleen Atwood, Arianne Phillips, and Ruth E. Carter displaying different aesthtics (Gothic, Western, Afrofuturism, etc.) and special performances from Gracie Abrams and Doja Cat. Reporting live from the scene, Chloe and other Vogue colleagues shared moments from LA from Vogue Air to the war room.Also, Chioma sat down with Angela Bassett and Ruth E. Carter to discuss their long collaborative relationship dreaming up characters like Betty Shabazz, Tina Turner, and Black Panther's Queen Ramonda. They share stories from behind the scenes in the fitting room and talk about the impact of their careers. Plus, a fun story about Tina Turner doing Angela's makeup for the film What's Love Got To Do With It. The Run-Through with Vogue is your go-to podcast where fashion meets culture. Hosted by Chloe Malle, Head of Editorial Content, Vogue U.S.; Chioma Nnadi, Head of British Vogue; and Nicole Phelps, Director of Vogue Runway, each episode features the latest fashion news and exclusive designer and celebrity interviews. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In a week where:New York GOP disbands Young Republicans over controversial messages.Prince Andrew relinquishes royal titles and honors amid Epstein accusations.OpenAI blocks MLK Jr. deepfakes on Sora 2.The Louvre gets robbed.Sanae Takaichi is sworn in as Japan's first ever female PM.In War: (6:41) An overview of what is going down in Sudan and the Congo and how extractivism is at the heart of it all. (Excerpt featuring Hamad of Sufda & Jordi of Génération Lumière)In Society: (21:03) The Gisele Pelicot trial was appealed by one of the 51 convicted men and unlike the noted lack of a citizen jury in the initial trial, this one did and exemplified why it's necessary. (Article By Diane De Vignemont)In Environment: (36:18) The war in Ukraine along with many other atrocities around the world are threatening to create a true global food crisis and with Global Heating firmly in the background, it's looking bleak for agriculture in the places that really matter. (Article By Darcie Imbert)Lastly, in Life: (55:12) Black cosplayers are making themselves known after a decade of "geek culture" becoming mainstream, introducing an interesting wrinkle into manifesting Afrofuturism. (Article By Jameel Raeburn)Thank you for listening! If you want to contribute to the show, whether it be sending me questions or voicing your opinion in any way, peep the contact links below and I'll respond accordingly. Let me know "What's Good?"Rate & ReviewE-Mail: the5thelelmentpub@gmail.comTwitter & IG: @The5thElementUKWebsite: https://the5thelement.co.ukPhotography: https://www.crt.photographyIntro Music - "Too Much" By VanillaInterlude - "Charismatic" By NappyHighChillHop MusicOther Podcasts Under The 5EPN:Diggin' In The Digits5EPN RadioBlack Women Watch...In Search of SauceThe Beauty Of Independence

Episode SummarySaxophonist, composer, and theater-maker Idris Ackamoor joins us to talk about Afrofuturism, ensemble storytelling, and why his performances are designed as communal happenings—part ritual, part dance-floor communion. We get into the craft behind his “artistic being” approach, the power of spoken word in jazz contexts, and how rhythm, memory, and movement drive his music.Idris Ackamoor is a Chicago-born, Bay Area–based bandleader and co-founder of Cultural Odyssey and The Pyramids. A pioneering voice in Afrofuturist jazz, his work blends West African rhythmic foundations with improvisation, theater, and multimedia staging.How he defines an “artistic being” and turns daily practice into finished compositionsThe Pyramids as an ensemble for theater, dance, and groove—music that moves people (literally)Collaborating with spoken-word icons Danny Glover and Rhodessa Jones and writing for distinctive voices“The Grandma Cole Story”: turning family memory into melody, rhythm, and testimonyAfrofuturism as compass: studies and travels that shaped his sound and stagecraftProtest music built for the body and the mind—clarity, groove, and human perspective (“Police Dem”)Set design like cinema: seamless transitions, projection, and audience participationLegacy and ownership: why preserving masters and publishing matters to the art“I call myself an artistic being… sometimes a melody appears on the piano, sometimes on the horn—I follow it until it grows.”“When you hear me play, I want you to know it's me and no one else.”“This is about participation—breaking down the wall—so the audience becomes part of the experience.”“I get to the meat of it through the human perspective. The groove invites you in; the words ask you to stay awake.”Host & Producer: Steve Roby — Backstage Bay AreaGuest: Idris AckamoorEditing/Mix: Steve RobyArtist: Idris Ackamoor / The Pyramids – official site, socials, and music streamingCultural Odyssey – background on Ackamoor's performing arts workLabel: Strut Records – catalogue and archivesPhoto: Pat Mazzera

Sun Tzu: "A leader leads by example, not by force." Sun Tzu outlines the foundation of effective leadership. Influence through personal integrity and action earns genuine respect, unlike coercion, which only breeds resistance. #SunTzu #LeadershipWisdom #LeadByExample #TrueLeadership #PhilosophyOfWar#RespectOverFear #Strategy #TheArtOfWar #PowerOfExample #AncientWisdom Cryptocurrency evokes greed, and people are still falling prey to scams. From Meme to Mainstream to Scam...If the Coin is name #ScamCoin...DO NOT BUY!! They are not being ironic. Believe people when they tell you who they are.... Reports from 2025 indicate that while the number of rug pulls has decreased, the value lost to these scams has increased dramatically due to a few highly devastating incidents.  $WOLF (Wolf of Wall Street Token): Launched in March 2025, this memecoin was tied to Hayden Davis, who was also involved in the Libra scam. After rumors of a celebrity endorsement, the token's market cap surged before being drained of liquidity. tnfroisreading

We explore Afrofuturism and the mission of the House of Afros, Capes, and Curls with its founder Jade Rogers.The organization exists to create a community for Black nerds, the concept of Afrofuturism, and the importance of rest and self-care in community engagement. Jade shares her experiences in Omaha, the impact of her church upbringing on her leadership skills, and the innovative youth programs that connect history with personal identity. The episode concludes with a discussion on current gaming interests and the significance of creating safe spaces for marginalized communities. Support our work on Patreon! (https://www.patreon.com/playsavestheworld) Takeaways The House of Afros, Capes, and Curls promotes community through sci-fi and fantasy. Nap Nights were created to encourage rest and self-care. Afrofuturism centers Black narratives in futuristic contexts. Community engagement events foster connections among Black nerds. The importance of recognizing historical contributions of Black communities. Creating safe spaces allows individuals to express their nerdiness without fear. Church experiences can provide valuable skills for community leadership. Youth programs focus on researching local Black history. Gaming can be a bridge for community connection and engagement. The House operates as an independent non-profit organization. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the House of Afros, Capes, and Curls 02:35 Community Engagement and Nap Nights 07:32 Understanding Afrofuturism 14:14 The Growth of Nerd Culture Among African Americans 23:12 Creating Safe Spaces for Black Nerds 25:33 Navigating Spaces as a Black Nerd 29:48 The Importance of Representation in Nerd Culture 34:59 The Intersection of Personal Experience and Community Engagement 43:43 Gaming Interests and the Evolution of Nerd Identity 48:52 The Role of Church in Shaping Skills and Community Leadership

SummaryThis special episode brings together five queer musicians reflecting on how music shaped their identities and artistic paths. From Aruan's transformative encounter with Soft Cell on Top of the Pops in 1981 to SADBOY's mission to normalise emotional expression in Black masculinity, each artist reveals how music provided both refuge and resistance.The conversation spans continents and generations, weaving together stories of discovery, survival, and ultimately creation. Whether it was Brendan Maclean finding salvation in high school musical theatre, Paul Andrews learning harmony from songbooks, or JSky recording tracks on a PlayStation, these artists demonstrate how queer people have always found ways to decode, create, and claim space through music.Timestamped Takeaways[00:01:26] Soft Cell's Tainted Love awakens queer possibility: Aruan recalls being terrified and fascinated by Marc Almond's androgynous performance in 1981[00:02:30] Musical theatre becomes a lifeline: Brendan Maclean discovers "the brightest, shiniest version" of himself through performance[00:05:01] Afrofuturism meets family musical heritage: SADBOY describes growing up surrounded by house, hip hop, neo soul and electronic sounds[00:05:50] Weekly record shopping creates musical foundation: Paul Andrews' mother would sing songs to record store staff to find the right 45s[00:12:09] Prince models gender fluidity and rebellion: Aruan finds life-saving escapism in Prince's androgynous high-heeled defiance[00:13:43] From remixing Madonna to finding authenticity: Paul Andrews discusses working on "Ghost Town" and creating his own album[00:15:04] PlayStation production to professional recording: JSky's DIY journey from making beats on Music 2000 to booking studio time at 14[00:16:16] Decoding hidden queer messages in mainstream music: Brendan explains how queer audiences find Easter eggs and codes in songs[00:20:25] Hip hop as emotional revolution: SADBOY challenges hypermasculinity in Black communities through vulnerable music[00:21:32] The politics of pronouns in pop: Paul Andrews argues for authentic representation in lyrics to normalise queer love[00:22:24] Gay semiotics sparks creative breakthrough: Brendan's discovery of a book in a London sex shop leads to artistic revelation[00:23:43] Independence enables authentic expression: JSky celebrates not needing anyone's permission to create and release musicLinksRead deep dives into our queer lives at the blog HERE.Check out the official podcast playlist on Spotify.Follow the podcast on: Instagram • Tik Tok • FacebookSee producer and presenter Dan Hall's other work HERE (subtitled version HERE).Find composer Paul Leonidou HERE.Listen to other episodes at

Find out more about Leo Robinson's relations to African and Caribbean cosmologies, and worldbuilding through play, with Stone Portals (Ongoing), now part of ⁠⁠SEEDLINGS: Diasporic Imaginaries⁠⁠, curated by Jelena Sofronijevic with Travelling Gallery in Scotland.The group exhibition, featuring Emii Alrai, Iman Datoo, Radovan Kraguly, Zeljko Kujundzic, Remi Jabłecki, Leo Robinson, and Amba Sayal-Bennett, is touring across Scotland, culminating at Edinburgh Art Festival (EAF) in August 2025. Join Leo Robinson at City Art Centre in Edinburgh on Friday 8 August, where he will guide you through the single-player quest game – also playable collaboratively – which makes a journey through the feeling of longing for a lost home

In these unfathomable moments, when the world seems to be falling apart—we often turn to stories for guidance. For the folks in Southern California earlier this year, that story was Parable of the Sower. Readers are returning to the book today because it shows us how speculation – and Afrofuturism in particular – can help us move through the world with our eyes open. Read a transcript of this episode on our website.Check out our booklist with titles from Octavia Butler, N.K. Jemisin, and more! Learn more about how you can help Octavia's Bookshelf in Altadena by supporting their Patreon. And, you can check out the Altadena Community Land Trust.If you're in California, check out Ode to ‘Dena: Black Artistic Legacies of Altadena,' an exhibit at the California African American Museum that features Nikki High and others.Listen to Octavia's Parables, a podcast from adrienne maree brown and Toshi Reagan that follows the Parable books, or Jessica Bethel's League of Extraordinary Readers podcast. You can also check out her virtual book club, Literature Noir, or Toshi Reagan's opera based on the Parable books.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for June 15, 2025 is: progeny • PRAH-juh-nee • noun Progeny refers to the child or descendant of a particular parent or family. Progeny can also refer to the offspring of an animal or plant, or broadly to something that is the product of something else. The plural of progeny is progeny. // Many Americans are the progeny of immigrants. // The champion thoroughbred passed on his speed, endurance, and calm temperament to his progeny, many of whom became successful racehorses themselves. // This landmark study is the progeny of many earlier efforts to explore the phenomenon. See the entry > Examples: “‘I am (We are) our ancestors' wildest dreams.' The phrase originated from New Orleans visual artist, activist, and filmmaker Brandan Odums, and was popularized by influential Black figures like Ava Duvernay, who used the phrase in tribute to the ancestors of First Lady Michelle Obama. Melvinia Shields, who was born a slave in 1844, would be survived by five generations of progeny, ultimately leading to her great-great-great granddaughter—Michelle Obama ...” — Christopher J. Schell, “Hope for the Wild in Afrofuturism,” 2024 Did you know? Progeny is the progeny of the Latin verb prōgignere, meaning “to beget.” That Latin word is itself an offspring of the prefix prō-, meaning “forth,” and gignere, which can mean “to beget” or “to bring forth.” Gignere has produced a large family of English descendants, including benign, engine, genius, germ, indigenous, and genuine. Gignere even paired up with prō- again to produce a close relative of progeny: the noun progenitor can mean “an ancestor in the direct line,” “a biologically ancestral form,” or “a precursor or originator.”

On this episode of The Object of History, we visit an item from the MHS collection currently on loan to the Museum of African American History on Boston's Beacon Hill. We examine the imposing stone that enabled the printing of William Lloyd Garrison's abolitionist publication, The Liberator. While visiting the Museum, we learn more about the building's importance to African American history in Boston as well as the Museum's current exhibits.  Learn more about episode objects here: https://www.masshist.org/podcast/season-4-episode-7-Imposing-Stone  Email us at podcast@masshist.org. Episode Special Guests: Angela T. Tate is Chief Curator and Director of Collections at the Museum of African American History, Boston and Nantucket (MAAH). She oversees collections, exhibitions, interpretation, and content, focused on the lives and descendants of the Black communities in Boston and Nantucket, as well as New England. Prior to joining MAAH, she was inaugural women's history curator at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). She co-curated the permanent exhibit, Forces for Change: Mary McLeod Bethune and Black Women's Activism, which highlights the strategies Black women have used to fight for justice and equality. Throughout her career, she has worked as curator and public historian in a variety of archives and museums in California and Illinois that focused on telling inclusive and expansive stories of the American past. She is a PhD candidate in History at Northwestern University and her dissertation discusses cultural diplomacy and Pan-Africanism through the 1950s-60s radio program hosted by Etta Moten Barnett in Chicago. This work has been supported by the Mellon Foundation, the Social Science Research Council, the New York Public Library, and the Schlesinger Library at the Radcliffe Institute. Her work has been published in Resonance: The Journal of Sound and Culture, the Smithsonian's Afrofuturism catalog, Ubuntu Dialogues, and several upcoming publications. Find more information at www.atpublichistory.com  Cara Liasson currently serves as the Collections Manager and Registrar for the Museum of African American History, Boston and Nantucket. Her career in the museum field spans over fifteen years, where she has worked at institutions such as Lowell National Historical Park and Old Sturbridge Village. She holds a B.A. in History from Wheaton College in Massachusetts and a graduate certificate in Museum Collections Management and Care from George Washington University. Selvin Backert is the Education Specialist at the Museum of African American History, Boston and Nantucket. Sage Morgan-Hubbard is the Director of Learning & Engagement  at the Museum of African American History, Boston and Nantucket. This episode uses materials from: Osprey by Chad Crouch (Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International)        Psychic by Dominic Giam of Ketsa Music (licensed under a commercial non-exclusive license by the Massachusetts Historical Society through Ketsa.uk)        Curious Nature by Dominic Giam of Ketsa Music (licensed under a commercial non-exclusive license by the Massachusetts Historical Society through Ketsa.uk)

We said it, Iyanu is the Blackest Anime In Existence, and not only that it is a beautiful tale steeped in Nigerian and Yoruba culture. Required watching for everyone, but before you jump into the first season, airing now on Cartoon Network, sit down as Tatiana and Benhameen interview some of the cast and creators of the soon to be hit series!Anything you want to know about Iyanu, it's characters, and what went into the Afro Futuristic world building? You know we got you. Press play, and then peep Iyanu as soon as you can! Thank you for watching!!!FOLLOW ON SOCIAL: Twitter.Com/ForAllNerds Instagram.Com/ForAllNerds Twitch.TV/ForAllNerds GET YOUR FORALLNERDS MERCH HERE: Forallnerds.com PATREON: Patreon.com/ForAllNerdsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/for-all-nerds-show--5649266/support.

How much do you love a great book list? The kind that introduces you to stories you never knew you needed? That's exactly what Amber O'Neal Johnston has created in her latest book, Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture.In today's episode, we explore the profound impact literature has on shaping identity and why it's essential for all children—not just Black children—to engage with stories from diverse perspectives. Amber shares how Soul School isn't just a book list, but a guide to curating a home library that reflects the richness of Black American history, culture, and imagination.We discuss the power of Afrofuturism, the accessibility of poetry, and how parents can thoughtfully introduce new voices into their children's literary world. If you're looking for ways to expand your family's reading life in a meaningful way, this conversation is a must-listen.Order Soul School today and start weaving cultural education into your family's everyday learning.Resources:Learn more about Amber's book at soulschoolbook.comOur previous interviews with Amber Johnston:Building a Family Heritage through Homeschool with Amber O'Neal Johnston - Part One - A Brave Writer's Life in BriefBuilding a Family Heritage through Homeschool with Amber O'Neal Johnston - Part Two - A Brave Writer's Life in BriefBuilding a Family Heritage through Homeschool with Amber O'Neal Johnston - Part Three - A Brave Writer's Life in BriefCheck out Julie's new author website: juliebogartwriter.com!Subscribe to Julie's Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off TopicPreorder Julie's new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing: How to Turn Struggling Students into Brave WritersFind Amber O'Neal Johnston's Soul School in the Brave Writer Book Shop: https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/list/podcast-recommendationsVisit Amber's website at heritagemom.comAmber is @heritagemomblog on InstagramTry out our Brave Writer Practice PagesFind our podcast book recommendations in the Brave Writer Book Shop: https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/list/podcast-recommendationsLearn more about the

All good things must come to an end. For now. After close to four years at Slate, A Word will be moving on. For today's episode of A Word, Jason Johnson highlights some of the memorable conversations on the show, on issues from politics, police brutality, Afro-Futurism and more.  Want more A Word? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or, visit slate.com/awordplus to get access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices