All Flashcards
What is African American Studies?
Interdisciplinary field examining Black experiences, challenging Eurocentrism, and promoting social justice.
Define Eurocentrism.
Traditional, white-centered views that African American Studies challenges.
What is Afrofuturism?
Movement reimagining Black history and envisioning empowering futures through the lens of science and technology.
Define Interdisciplinary Approach.
Combines various academic fields, such as history, literature, politics, and sociology.
Define Social Justice.
Advocates for equality and fairness.
What is meant by 'reclaiming history' in Afrofuturism?
Creating a space free from historical trauma and centered on Black experiences.
Define 'Afrocentric Futures'.
Futures centering Black experiences and cultures, often with technology.
What are Utopian Societies in Afrofuturism?
Imagined communities free from white supremacy.
What is meant by 'Watershed Moment'?
A turning point or significant event that marks a new phase or development.
What is speculative fiction?
A genre of fiction that explores imaginative and futuristic concepts, often involving science and technology.
What is the significance of Sun Ra's avant-garde jazz?
It explored space travel, mythology, and Black liberation, challenging traditional jazz and pushing genre boundaries.
What is the cultural impact of the film Black Panther?
It challenges stereotypes of African poverty and portrays strong, intelligent, capable Black characters, offering a technologically advanced African nation untouched by colonialism.
What is the cultural significance of Nichelle Nichols' role as Uhura?
She was one of the first Black women in a major prime-time role, challenging stereotypes and symbolizing a future of racial equality.
What is the significance of 'Space Is the Place'?
It is a fusion of Afrofuturism, jazz, and sci-fi, representing self-determination through space and technology.
How does Afrofuturism influence artistic expression?
It comes to life in art, music, film, fashion, and literature, pushing creative boundaries and celebrating Black culture.
How does Afrofuturism reimagine Black past and future?
It explores alternative histories and narratives, creating a space free from historical trauma and centering Black experiences.
What role does technology play in Afrofuturism?
It is often used as a means of liberation and empowerment, envisioning technologically advanced societies centered around Black experiences.
How does Afrofuturism celebrate Black culture?
It draws from African traditions and contemporary life, pushing creative boundaries and expressing Black identity.
Who was Phillis Wheatley and what was her impact?
Poet who envisioned freedom and mobility for Black people after abolition, challenging Black inferiority.
Who was Benjamin Banneker and what was his impact?
Demonstrated Black intellectual capabilities through his Almanac, defying stereotypes of Black intellectual inferiority.
Who was Sun Ra and what was his impact?
Avant-garde jazz musician who explored space travel, mythology, and Black liberation, challenging traditional jazz.
Who is Octavia Butler and what was her impact?
Science fiction novelist who explored race, gender, and power in dystopian futures, featuring Black female protagonists.
Who was Nichelle Nichols and what was her impact?
Actress who played Lt. Uhura in Star Trek; a groundbreaking representation of a Black woman in a major role, inspiring many.
Who is Walter Mosley and what was his impact?
Author who explores how Black artists envision alternative futures, highlighting the growing importance of Black speculative fiction.
Who is Samuel Delany?
Notable Black science fiction author known for exploring creative boundaries.
Who is Steven Barnes?
Notable Black science fiction author known for exploring creative boundaries.
Who is Tananarive Due?
Notable Black science fiction author known for exploring creative boundaries.