The Color of Sci-fi

Color of Sci-Fi

Science Fiction’s (Sci-Fi) roots are centuries old, presenting a future that allows us to dream, innovate and explore. But, Sci-Fi focused on narratives that minimized the lives of Black and Brown people and, in some cases, made them non-existent. Over the decades we have seen changes and in the last few years the expanding narratives to include more people of different races, cultures and experiences can’t be denied, but more must be done. In Science fiction, people of color can not only escape the present-day challenges of prejudice, racism, and even the lack of safety and value of their Black and Brown bodies, they can dream and create worlds and futures that are equal for all. Sci-Fi is more than an escape for people of color. It is freedom.

The Color of Sci-Fi is a series celebrating and uplifting the genre of Sci-Fi and the people of color who create and enjoy it. Located in Detroit, this series includes art exhibitions, author talks, and panel discussions on the science of science fiction. Talks and workshops on representation in science fiction and STEM fields are a major part of this series and program. Color of Sci-Fi is scheduled for October - November of 2023 and will have continue annually with a variety of activities.

Denise Crittendon

A native Detroiter, released her debut novel, Where It Rains In Color, in 2022. She is a self-described Afrofuturist, dreamer and creator with decades of experience as a journalist.

Sheree Renée Thomas

Sheree Renée Thomas is an award-winning fiction writer, poet, and editor. her work is inspired by myth and folklore, natural science and the genius of the Mississippi Delta. She is a co-editor of Africa Risen: A New Era of Speculative Fiction and Trouble the Waters: Tales of the Deep Blue; her fiction collection, Nine Bar Blues: Stories from an Ancient Future, was a finalist for the 2021 Ignyte, Locus, and World Fantasy Awards.

Danian Darrell Jerry

Danian Darrell Jerry is a writer, teacher, and emcee. He is a Fiction Editor of Obsidian: Literature and Arts in the African Diaspora. Danian's writing appears and is forthcoming in Africa Risen: A New Era of Speculative Fiction, Marvel: Black Panther Tales of Wakanda and The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction – among others.

Zig Zag Claybourne

Zig Zag Claybourne, also known as Clarence Young, is the author of The Brothers Jetstream: Leviathan, The Brothers Jetstream: Afro Puffs Are the Antennae of the Universe, Neon Lights, Historical Inaccuracies, By All Our Violent Guides and In the Quiet Spaces (the last two under C.E. Young). His fiction and essays have appeared in multiple publications.