Notes On Imagining The Future #19
Delivering The Golo Mann Lectureship At Claremont McKenna College and Other News
Welcome to “Notes On Imagining The Future” a newsletter from Fabrice’s World: you will find my essays, my philosophy, updates on my science fiction and fantasy writing and syllble studios, youtube vlogs, new episodes of The Fabrice Guerrier Show, 500 words memos on the future of the creative industry and much more.
We are at a crisis point in human history. I know you feel it. I personally believe that modernity, as we know it, has failed us. Many define its successes by the increased lifespan of people, access to fair elections, reduction of poverty, and the expression of inalienable rights, such as the right to vote. Statistically, much of our planet is in better condition than it was 400 years ago. As a person of African descent, I can confidently say that I don’t witness slave ships, chained limbs, or bodies being auctioned off on American shores.
Yet, what does that say about our world today with the intense and rapid shifts of technology, our mental health crisis, our wars and our climate change? If so much of how we conceive progress prevents us from truly embracing the radical imagination necessary for our times, we are missing a vital opportunity. I say, a new kind of worldbuilding (Building Our World) is deeply needed—one that creates the future and ushers in new visions for how to live in the 21st century.
Recently, I had the distinct honor of delivering the prestigious 2024 Golo Mann Lecture at Claremont McKenna College, marking the longest and most profound lecture I've given to date. To join the ranks of past Golo Mann lecturers like Zadie Smith, the renowned British novelist; Nikole Hannah-Jones, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist behind The 1619 Project; Marlon James, the Booker Prize-winning novelist of Jamaican descent; and Pico Iyer, the celebrated essayist and travel writer, was nothing short of extraordinary.
In my lecture, I explored how we can rebuild our world as modernity crumbles around us. I offer a unique perspective on the socio-political implications of worldbuilding and uncovering what it means for me. I also delved into the very creative process and aspects of worldbuilding and the power of science fiction—not just as a genre but as a visionary tool for imagining and shaping future realities.
I highlighted the transformative potential of "creolization"—the blending of diverse cultural, intellectual, and social elements—as a way to forge resilient new pathways for humanity. I also spoke about The Sauúti Collective and other collaborative worldbuilding projects at Syllble.
It was an incredible experience to share these ideas on such a renowned platform, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity.
Other News
I wanted to share a focused look one of the Afrocentric fictional shared-world at Syllble, called the Sauútiverse. It's making waves in the creative world by bringing writers together and elevating entirely new visions for what creative writing and literature stands for today in our times of crisis—something the world truly needs. This has never been done before, and you should definitely know and read about Sauúti. Here’s a few articles. I’ll leave it at that and I hope to share more exciting news happening in my world soon. Enjoy your week!
Amirah Muhammad reviews ‘Afro-Centered Futurisms in Our Speculative Fiction in British Science Fiction Association
Speculative fiction author Eugen Bacon to be 2024 Hedberg Writer-in-Residence in University of Tasmania
The Call of Sauúti in British Fantasy Society
Sauútiverse: Speculative African Writers Reshaping World building in African Change Stories
Interview: Into the Sauútiverse in Nerds of a Feather, Flock Together
Thank you for reading and making it at the bottom of the newsletter. Shout out to my Patreon supporters! Without you none of this would be possible: Jan Fumosa, Trevor Lynn and Paulette Moore
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