I’ve never been much of a comic book reader. But I could not help but feel excited about the news of Marvel’s 11-issue revival of the Black Panther series, written by MacArthur Genius and National Book Award winner Ta-Nehisi Coates. The third issue was released last week, and a film is due out in 2017, directed by the award-winning Ryan Coogler. Debuting in 1966, Black Panther was the first black superhero in mainstream comic books; virtually no black heroes were created before him, and none with actual superpowers.
Hailing from the East African nation of Wakanda, Black Panther and his homeland are an example of a sub-genre of fiction in which Africans and African Americans display a prowess and understanding of technological and scientific advancement. Some consider this part of Afrofuturism, a creative practice that takes black thought and re-imagines themes in STEAM, science and speculative fiction, and fantasy.
STEAM not only fosters do-it-yourself or DIY practices involving computers, electronics, and fabrication, but also a trans-disciplinary approach to artistic, cultural and academic production in digital media, and mutual concerns of the arts with STEM disciplines. By adding an “A” for Art to STEM, schools can engage a more diverse population of students who use the arts for creative expression, communication, and innovation. Read More…
