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Why should you read sci-fi superstar Octavia E. Butler? - Ayana Jamieson and Moya Bailey

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Much science fiction features white male heroes who blast aliens or become saviors of brown people. Octavia E. Butler knew she could tell a better story. She built stunning worlds rife with diverse characters, and brought nuance and depth to the representation of their experiences. Ayana Jamieson and Moya Bailey dive into the works of the visionary storyteller who upended science fiction.

Afrofuturism has gained popularity with speculative fiction films such as Black Panther though the genre of art and literature has existed for a long time. What is it about the present moment that has spurred more interest in Black futurist exploration?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Ayana Jamieson, Moya Bailey
  • Director Tomás Pichardo-Espaillat
  • Narrator Christina Greer
  • Animator Tomás Pichardo-Espaillat
  • Composer Cem Misirlioglu
  • Content Producer Gerta Xhelo
  • Editorial Producer Alex Rosenthal
  • Associate Producer Bethany Cutmore-Scott
  • Script Editor Iseult Gillespie
  • Fact-Checker Eden Girma

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