This conversation delves into the profound impact of Octavia Butler's work, particularly her exploration of identity, legacy, and the human condition. It highlights the importance of imagination in shaping our realities and the necessity for confronting historical trauma through storytelling. Brandon Jacob Jenkins joins us to discuss the adaptation of Butler's 'Kindred' and the complexities of relationships within her narratives, the challenges in writing and adapting in Hollywood, and our need to expand past our fixed perceptions in society.

Series Links:

Interview with Brand Jacob Jenkins

Read: The Book of Martha Kindred

Watch: Kindred the Series on Hulu (AGAIN)

Connect: Jacquees Thomas @_ThatsPeace

Join the collective writing community BLKWritersRoom.com

Learn More: OctaviaButler.com

A Black Effect Original Series

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Today we delve into the profound impact of Octavia Butler's work on Black literature and the unique perspectives it offers.

The conversation explores various interpretations of Butler's narratives, critiques of her approach, and the historical context of Afrofuturism. It highlights the educational value of her work and its prophetic nature, emphasizing the themes of community, change, and resilience as embodied by the character Lauren Olamina in her Parable series.

The episode concludes with the dissect of a conversation between Olamina and her stepmother., "I'd rather have the stars,” I say. “The stars are free.” She shrugs. “I'd rather have the city lights back myself, the sooner the better, but the stars are free."

Interviews - In order of introduction:

Joshunda Sanders

Dr. Reynaldo Anderson - Black Speculative Arts Movement

Sheila Liming

Bruce Duncan - Terasem Movement Foundation

Series Links:

Read: Parable of the Sower, Kindred

Connect: Jacquees Thomas @_ThatsPeace

BLKWritersRoom.com

Learn More: OctaviaButler.com

A Black Effect Original Series

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who is Octavia Butler? What molded her creativity?

In today's episode we continue to explore the life and legacy of Octavia Butler, an oracle of science fiction, whose visions of the future resonate more deeply today than ever. We examine the backdrop of her upbringing, the environment around her and the lasting impressions on her life that defined her as a writer. Nisi Shawl (Writer / Friend) also joins in to discuss the work, and her relationship with the late Octavia Butler.

Read: Parable of the Sower, The Last Unicorn

Connect: Jacquees Thomas @_ThatsPeace

BLKWritersRoom.com

Learn More: NisiShawl.com

OctaviaButler.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.