Exploring Afrofuturism and Its Impact on Mass Media with William Jones
S7 #54

Exploring Afrofuturism and Its Impact on Mass Media with William Jones

Tune in and be inspired by 'The Truth in This Art' podcast, hosted by the engaging Rob Lee. Together with our guest today, William Jones, a passionate historian, Afrofuturist, author, speaker, and educator. As the visionary behind the Afro-Futurism Network, he champions Afrofuturism—a dynamic cultural genre that blends science fiction, historical fiction, and fantasy to address present-day challenges while reimagining a more empowered future for black individuals. Jones, a dedicated advocate for black creators in science fiction, fantasy, and comics, sparks cultural activism through his multi-faceted work.

During this conversation, we go in-depth on:

  • Afrofuturism, a fusion of comic books, sci-fi, fantasy, and historical reverence.
  • Afro-Futurism Network's purpose: uniting black creators, offering a platform for collaboration and exchange.
  • Analyze the lasting influence of Jones's "The Ex-Con, Voodoo Priest Goddess, and the African King," dissecting its impact on black representation in mainstream culture.
  • Investigate the multifaceted essence of Afrofuturism, encompassing creative expression and data-driven projections to envision the future of black communities.

William discusses his journey in building a business centered around Afrofuturism. Jones shares how his love for comic books and history led him to create the Afro-Futurism Network, a space for black creators to connect and collaborate. He also talks about his book, "The Ex-Con, Voodoo Priest Goddess, and the African King," and the impact it has had on readers. Jones emphasizes the importance of bringing black voices and representation to the forefront in the world of science fiction and fantasy.


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Host: Rob Lee
Music: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.
Production:
  • Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel Alexis
  • Edited by Daniel Alexis
  • Show Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and Transistor
Photos:
  • 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.
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Creators and Guests

Rob Lee
Host
Rob Lee
The Truth In This Art is an interview series featuring artists, entrepreneurs and tastemakers in & around Baltimore.
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William Jones
Guest
William Jones
Historian, Afrofuturist, Author, Speaker and Educator, William Jones. Afrofuturism is a multi-media cultural genre that wields elements of science fiction, historical fiction, fantasy, and even a little magic to address both the real-world issues facing black people in the present day, and to re-examine and offer up a better way to see ourselves in the future, both in fiction and in reality. It encompasses the world of sci-fi and fantasy culture from a black perspective, and encourages a breaking down of current, outdated, and widely accepted paradigms to promote a more fully realized and complex black experience. Afrofuturism is intersectional, and, at its heart, about representation and fighting erasure through a kind of cultural activism.
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