Dive into the brilliant and speculative works of fiction and nonfiction written by award winning Black science fiction writer Octavia E. Butler. This program will explore three (3) titles over the course of three seasons: Bloodchild and Other Stories, Parable of the Sower, and Parable of the Talents.
B L A C K M A G I C is an Afrofuturism Book Club, a collective of magical, radical dreamers, and a space to envision, imagine, and co-create other possible futures. Since our founding in 2014, together, we have read, and studied over 20+ Afrofuturism titles including books, short stories, essays, films, and comics. In 2019, we hosted a community dinner and conversation at the Creative Time Summit X titled, “Sowing Seeds for Survival: Lauren Olamina & the Truth about the End of the World in Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower.” In 2020, B L A C K M A G I C also facilitated “Parable Lessons,” a virtual conversation about the important lessons from Octavia E. Butler’s Parables series at MoCADA. Currently, we are preparing to launch our virtual book club, while also developing “Parable School,” a community skill-sharing academy for the apocalypses that may come.
www.blackmagicbookclub.com | @weareblackmagicbookclub
This monthly book club is hosted by Black Magic Book Club and Word Up Community Bookshop and is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.
Kits with a copy of each book at a 15% discount, an exclusive Black Magic Book Club bookmark, and a Word Up red tote bag will be available for those who register. Individual books can also be purchased with an exclusive 15% discount code. Register below. If you need financial assistance, please email events@wordupbooks.com.
Parable of the Sower is a 1993 science fiction novel by American writer Octavia E. Butler, the first in a two-book series. It is an apocalypse science fiction novel that provides commentary on climate change and social inequality. It is the first of a series of two books. The novel follows Lauren Olamina in her quest for freedom. Several characters from various walks of life join her on her journey north and learn of a religion she has crafted titled Earthseed.
Facilitated by Suhaly Bautista-Carolina, Elizabeth Rossi, & Yisa Fermin
Sunday, 10/3/2021 | Chapter 1 - Chapter 13
Sunday, 10/10/21 | Chapter 14 - Chapter 19
Sunday, 10/17/21 | Chapter 20 - 25
Sunday, 10/24/21 | Parable School & skillshare event
