Afrofuturism is a lens that can be used to explore the arts, and beyond, community and much more. In that spirit, the University of Toronto’s Hart House will present Black Futures, a series described as a “showcase of intersectional arts and dialogue” from January 31 to March 8.
What is Afrofuturism?
Afrofuturism is a term that was coined in the early 1990s, and combines the perspective of Africans and the global African diaspora as it intersects with technology and futurism. It’s been explored in works of literature, music, visual arts, film, and other media.
It’s a lens that sees technology and the future through the experience of the African diaspora. The past fuels the future in a new way, guided by imagination.
Black Futures: Arts & Talks
Highlights of the series include thought provoking talks, events and performances.
- WHAT MAKES US HUMAN? AI, Spirituality and Race with Guests Rhonda McEwen, Suzanne van Geuns, De’Aira Bryant, and Efosa Obano; February 2 via Online | Zoom | Free
- The 20th Annual U of T Black History Month Luncheon; February 28 via Online | Free
A celebration for faculty, staff and students featuring keynote speeches and signature performances, with virtual guests including Ontario Poet Laureate Randell Adjei, and Olympic sprinter Andre De Grasee and his mother, Gloria. Additional guests and performances to be announced. - Exploring Black & Indigenous Futurisms: ROCK AS WITNESS Artist Talk with Quentin VerCetty, Michael Belmore, Karyn Recollet, and Audrey Hudson Co-presented by the AGO; February 28 via Online | Zoom | Free
- WOMEN IN HIP HOP: Erasure, Trailblazers, and Place Makers featuring Martha Diaz, DJ Lynnée, and Francesca D’Amico Cuthbert; March 8 | Online | Zoom | Free
The Hart House series will explore wellness and community along with the arts. Along with arts-oriented programming, the series includes workshops on finances, careers, podcasts, and more.
Find out more about Black Futures here, and the Hip-Hop series here.
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