Exploring the Possibilities of African-Coded AI and Black Perspectives in Tech Ethics By Bernie Smith “Technology is not neutral. It reflects the dreams—and fears—of its makers.” In an era where artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping everything from healthcare to education to war, one question grows louder from the margins of global tech conversations: What happens…
Month: May 2025
How diasporic authors collaborate across borders to build futuristic Black worlds
Opening the Portal In an age when algorithms predict our desires and borders are increasingly contested, Black writers across the globe are looking beyond the now—toward the stars, the ancestors, and futures yet imagined. From Lagos to London, Accra to Atlanta, diasporic authors are crafting portals—metaphysical and literary—that connect scattered histories with united dreams. These…
The Sonic Future: Afrofuturism in Music from Sun Ra to Sampa the Great
Afrofuturism has always had a soundtrack. It pulses through the cosmic jazz of Sun Ra, the interstellar funk of Parliament-Funkadelic, the digital soul of Janelle Monáe, and the ancestral beats of Sampa the Great. In every synth, every drum loop, every lyric about liberation and time travel, Afrofuturist music offers a portal—a way to imagine…
Cyber Sankofa: Reclaiming the Past Through Futuristic Tech
In the heart of Afrofuturism lies a paradox: to imagine the future, we must first reclaim the past. This is the essence of Cyber Sankofa—a digital philosophy inspired by the Akan symbol of a bird looking backward while flying forward. It’s a call to retrieve what was lost, stolen, or forgotten, and to carry it boldly…
The Black Esports Boom: From Grassroots to Global Arenas
By Bernie Smith Once considered a niche subculture, esports has exploded into a billion-dollar global industry. But behind the flashing lights, million-dollar prize pools, and sold-out arenas lies a quieter revolution: the rise of Black gamers, organizers, and creators who are reshaping the competitive gaming landscape. From local tournaments in barbershops to international stages streamed…
Wakanda in the Console: Afrofuturist Worlds in Indie Games
By Bernie Smith When Black Panther hit theaters in 2018, it didn’t just break box office records—it cracked open the mainstream imagination to the possibilities of Afrofuturism. But long before Wakanda graced the silver screen, Black indie game developers were already building digital worlds where African heritage, speculative technology, and radical Black joy collided. Today, these creators…
Future Trends in Black Sci-Fi: What’s Next for the Genre?
Black sci-fi has always been more than just entertainment—it’s a visionary space where imagination meets liberation. From the cosmic visions of Octavia Butler to the Afrofuturist aesthetics of Black Panther, Black creators have used science fiction to reimagine identity, history, and the future. As we move deeper into the 2020s, here are the key trends…
Top 10 Black Sci-Fi Movies to Watch in 2025
Black sci-fi is having a moment—and 2025 is proof. From Afrofuturist epics to dystopian thrillers, this year’s lineup is packed with bold, imaginative films that center Black voices and visions. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting into the genre, here are 10 must-watch Black sci-fi movies that are pushing boundaries and redefining the…