Three authors Jesse J. Holland, Glenn Parris and Sheree Renée Thomas from the “Tales of Wakanda” collection were guests at SCAD virtual event Guests and Gusto last month, and it was fabulous. Dare I say one of some of the best guests SCAD has had since the Guests and Gusto series started.
The conversation centered around Wakanda, Marvel, the center of the world and everything that went with it.
If you have not read “Tales of Wakanda” yet, you should, but be warned: I did find myself choking back tears for almost every story. The authors in this collection are just that good. Holland started the initiation to gather African American writers to celebrate all that Wakanda had given to them. It’s a collection about Wakanda’s past, present, and future but not all from it King. From the people of Wakanda, its traditions and history are something I’ve never known, but now I have a new obsession: To learn anything and everything about Wakanda.
The three writers spoke of many things, but Afro-futurism was at the forefront. What does it mean to write Afro-futurism? For Parris, it was that “What if” question: what if Africa hadn’t been colonized, what if there wasn’t that interruption of the other. Which in my opinion, is the best definition. Afro-Futurism is a lens that takes away some aspects but after reading it you’ll gain so much more knowledge. Each of the author’s stories looks at Wakanda from a different perspective, except Holland, who wrote the brilliant introduction
In a way, Wakanda is the answer to that so it’s fun to imagine through that lens. Once artist’s do it opens a door to so many otherworldly inspirations.
The panel was inspirational, to say the least, to see Black authors shine all together in one collection of greatness is a gift. Too often, the public focuses on white authors where in reality there are many writers from all different backgrounds with stories that are just as worthy.
The main advice for artists from the talk: You have to consume and do your craft. You have to push and push. If you love it why stop? I loved all the stories in “Tales of Wakanda,” especially as someone who has only seen the “Black Panther” movie, I learned a lot. Like did you know Storm was married to “Black Panther?” I should go read all the comics now.
To see the many sides of Wakanda makes it hard to not be a fan. Wakanda is a real place no one can argue with me on this because authors like Thomas, Parris and Holland made it come to life. Not only on the page but as they talked as well. “Tales of Wakanda authors” have made their stories not only a great addition to the “Black Panther” movie but to literature as well.
