Into the Future: Black Science Fiction Exhibit

(1st Floor Glass Case)

This exhibit highlights the futuristic stories of Black science fiction authors.

The literary genre of Black science fiction began in nineteenth century America with the story Blake; or the Huts of America published in 1859 by Martin Delany. Luminaries Pauline Hopkins, Octavia Butler, and Samuel R. Delany brought African American works to the forefront of the genre in the 20th century. This exhibit highlights the futuristic stories of Black science fiction authors and explores how folklore influenced their tales.

IMAGE CREDIT: Cayea, John, illustrator. “Untitled”. Butler, Octavia E., author. Wild seed. Garden City, New York: Doubleday, 1980.

About the African American Research Library and Cultural Center 
The Broward County African American Research Library and Cultural Center (AARLCC) is located in the Sistrunk community, one of the oldest historically Black communities named for one of Fort Lauderdale’s first Black physicians. Opening to the public on October 26, 2002, AARLCC became the third public library of its kind in the United States dedicated to the study of Black history and culture. The 60,000 square-foot Center serves as a repository of materials related to the local, national, and international voices of the African diaspora with more than 85,000 books, manuscripts, artifacts, framed art, print, photography, audiovisual, and documents held in our Adult Services Section and Special Collections. The Youth Services Section features a special collection of Coretta Scott King Award books and the Ashley Bryan Art Collection from illustrators of African Descent. AARLCC also features a 5,000 sq. ft. museum, a 300-seat state-of-the-art theatre, and a Computer Training Center.

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