A History of Black Futures
We are excited to announce that on March 24, 2023 our museum will debut a major, thought-provoking exhibition, “Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures.”
One of the highlights of this new exhibition will be the #BlackPanther.
This exhibition will investigate Afrofuturist expression through art, music, activism and more, and explore Afrofuturism’s historic and poignant engagement with African American history and pop-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.
Through the 4,300-square-foot temporary exhibition, visitors will view a variety of objects from Afrofuturism pioneers, including Octavia Butler’s typewriter, Nichelle Nichols’ Star Trek uniform as the character Lt. Nyota Uhura and Nona Hendryx’s spacesuit-inspired costume worn while performing with LaBelle.
The exhibition will also utilize select objects to elevate stories that speak to Black liberation and social equality, such as Trayvon Martin’s flight suit from Experience Aviation, and his childhood dream of being an astronaut.
“Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures” will be on view in the museum’s Bank of America Special Exhibitions Gallery from March 24, 2023, through March 2024. #NMAAHCFutures