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Across the record, she branches out into electronica, jazz, Chicago house and Afrofuturism, as she explores “all the different ways of existing in the world as a black person”.

Young authors have hailed her as an architect of feminist science fiction and an optimistic blend of technology and the culture of the African diaspora known as Afrofuturism.

Comparing the far-off future that Butler envisioned in 1993 with the out-of-control wildfires, massive megastorms, and rising sea levels and temperatures of modern day 2024 offers a unique opportunity to “explore the themes in the book around climate and community,” Brandon says, as well as “a chance to celebrate Afrofuturism and Octavia Butler’s role and influence in it.”

How do you define Afrofuturism?

Ms. Womack, who writes both about the genre and from within it, has curated Afrofuturism events across the country — including Carnegie Hall’s citywide festival — and her work is currently featured in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.