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Mapping Afrofuturism: Understanding Black Speculative Practice, the new book by Dr. Julian Chambliss, addresses the multifaceted domain of Afrofuturism–a cultural, political, and intellectual movement that uses African diaspora concerns to reshape how we understand technology and culture. This anthology examines the historical trajectory and impact of Afrofuturism in the United States, providing readers with an understanding of its development and its significance in challenging systemic racism and discriminatory practices. The book outlines the movement’s roots and global reach while focusing on the African American experience.

This volume is methodically divided into sections reflecting Afrofuturism’s pivotal role across different eras and mediums, including literature, art, music, and activism. The book traces how Afrofuturism has questioned and shaped conceptions of knowledge in the Western hemisphere and underscores its powerful critique of colonial power structures and unapologetically asserts the importance of Black cultural practice and knowledge in modern discourse, emphasizing the contributions of prominent figures from W.E.B. Du Bois to Octavia Butler.

Mapping Afrofuturism is well-suited for undergraduate and graduate courses in African American studies, cultural studies, literary studies, and media studies. It is a foundational text for students interested in examining the intersections of race, art, science, and technology within a historical and cultural framework.