AfroFuturism and Transgenerational Trauma from Slavery Past
As we close out our February issue, I find myself reflecting on the topics our Routes’ writers and photographers have shared. A recurring theme in institutional programming this month seemed to be organized under the concept of catch-phrase: “AfroFuturism.” Curious about this term myself, we organized a panel discussion with those in the know: AfroFuturism: Fact, Future or Fantasy?
Our coverage aligned with the theme AfroFuturism — as well — we looked at Sun Ra with an article on some of his archives finding a home in Germany and a review of a concert with his Arkestra at the prestigious Carnegie Hall.
We also covered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s “Before Yesterday We Could Fly” new period room in the American Wing. I plan on visiting it myself when I’m in town next month because I’ve been left to feel like it was a bit of an afterthought sandwiched in between glorious Europe and a football field’s length from the Federalist period of Art and design.
As I have learned with you about AfroFuturism, I have come to understand how it is equally referential to our past. Our article on Transgenerational Trauma dug deep into our requisite need to heal from slavery past and reclaim our culture.
With an eye on all we have learned of AfroFuturism, next month Routes Magazine celebrates “Women’s History Month” with an exploration of the concept of “Queen Mother”.
I hope you’ll join us and share with us your own examples of Queen Mother.