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What is Afrofuturism?

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Explore past Afrofuturism Week events and activities!

Afrofuturism Week (AFW) bridges the campus and the community, connecting scholars, artists, creative professionals, local businesses and community organizations. AFW engages students in developing program events, providing experiential learning opportunities that merge creativity, civic engagement, collaboration and leadership development in real-world settings. 

2026

The theme for 2026 was “Unbounding Possibility: Dreams, Realities, and Imagined Futures” drawing from American historian and academic Robin DG Kelley’s quote: “Imagination is the bridge between feeling, knowing and making that idea real.”

Kick-off Party January 24, 5-8PM at Santa Fe college Blount center
Afrofuturism Concert January 24, 8PM at the How Bazar
Afrofuture Spirituality Lecture + Music, January 28, 6PM at Greater Bethel AME Church
Art Exhibition Opening Reception January 30, 7 to 10PM at Gainesville Fine Arts Association
Final Celebration + Fashion Show January 31, 6 to 9PM at the Cade Museum

2025

The theme for Afrofuturism Week 2025 was “Furious Joy,” drawing inspiration from Alice Walker’s powerful phrase in her book Hard Times Require Furious Dancing. In the realm of Afrofuturism, “Furious Joy” acknowledges that within collective struggle, there are rich spaces of laughter, vibrant creativity, and life-giving joy. 

student posing with AFW screen print he made.
Students participating in a screen printing activity.
Fashion show models posing in afrofuturist garb
Students dancing in front of a crowd
Inside of an art gallery
A woman singing in the art gallery.
Attendees placing sticky notes on an interactive question on a wall answering "What does Afrofuturism Mean to you?"
Attendee talking excitedly with guest speaker Dr. Hasan Jefferies.
Afrofuturism and Dr. King's Vision for America with Dr. Hasan Jeffries.
Cirque Kalabante West African acrobatics, drumming, and dance.
Zora Neale Hurston Panel Discussion
Furious Joy: Our Pleasure Despite All Exhibition and Reception
Afrofuturism Films Watch Party
Art After Dark Afrofuturism Celebration

2024

The first annual Afrofuturism Week

A person using her phone to take a picture of a big Afrofuturist Painting.
Two guests in the gallery, sitting on a bench while pondering the artwork of silhouetted bodies on the wall.
CAME director Osubi Craig speaking into a mic in front of the screening of Neptune Frost.
Artist Wayne Hodges giving a lecture in front of a classroom. On screen is an image of a book cover called Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures.
A line of Fashion Show Models walking into a crowded room of people clapping.
Two models pose in front of crowd while wearing afrofuturist clothes
Flyer for History Dog Concert at Baby J's, January 17, at 8PM. Enjoy a live musical performance by electroacoustic improvisational ensemble History Dog from New York.
Flyer for AFW Veiled Hooded and Hidden Art Exhibition Reception at GFAA Jan 19, 7 - 10 PM. Curated by Anani Blakey, the Afro and Black art Exhibition explores the erasure of Black history in public education. Join us for the reception to interact with artists, experience live performances, and engage with vendors!
Flyer for Neptune Frost Film Screening, at UF Innovate, January 18, at 6PM. Join us for Neptune Frost, an Afrofuturist romantic musical. Come early for refreshments! Doors open at 5:30pm, film and discussion at 6pm.
Flyer for visiting artist lecture Wayne Hodge, January 23, at UF Little Hall, 6:15PM. Contemporary artist Wayne Hodge will present a lecture followed by question and answer about his practice which revolves around collage and performance.
Flyer for Art After Dark at the Harn Museum of Art, Jan 25, 6-8 PM, Fashion show at 7. This Afrofuturism celebration will feature an exhibition on surrealism, music by sound artist Quincy Osborne, and a futurist fashion show and costume party. All are welcome to participate!