NOVEMBER 11, 2022 - The Tate Gallery’s online glossary of art terms defines Afrofuturism as “a cultural aesthetic that combines science-fiction, history and fantasy to explore the African-American experience and aims to connect those from the black diaspora with their forgotten African ancestry.”  It goes on to say that it “has its origins in African-American science fiction. Today it is generally used to refer to literature music and visual art that explores the African-American experience and in particular the role of slavery in that experience.” Coming next March to the National Museum of African American History and Culture will be an exhibition, “Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures,” which will feature an item from the Star Trek universe.

According to the museum’s web site, “Investigating Afrofuturist expression through art, music, activism and more, this exhibition explores and reveals Afrofuturism’s historic and poignant engagement with African American history and popular culture. From the enslaved looking to the cosmos for freedom to popular sci-fi stories inspiring Black astronauts, to the musical influence of Sun Ra, OutKast, P-Funk and more, this exhibition covers the broad and impactful spectrum of Afrofuturism.”

Objects to be displayed include Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther costume, Octavia Butler’s typewriter, and, Star Trek fans, Nichelle Nichols’ uniform worn as LT. Nyota Uhura.

The NMAAHC is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting, and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history.

The exhibition opens March 23, 2023. In the meantime, you can head over to the NMAAHC for more information.