Philadelphia, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/10/2016 -- Afrofuturism Network will participate in the Black Speculative Arts Movement (BsaM) annual Afrofuturism, black comics and arts convention, an event designed to support the growing Afrofuturism movement, black creativity and intellectuals in the field of Afrofuturism.
Afrofuturism Network (AFN), led by founder William Jones, will participate as a vendor alongside many other comics, art, artisan creators and vendors at Temple University in Philadelphia, one of several college campuses selected for the convention's tour.
The event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Gladfelter Hall, 1115 Polett Walk, Philadelphia.
Jones is a historian, self-described comic book geek, educator and author. He recently published his first book The Ex-Con, Voodoo Priest, Goddess, and the African King, and speaks publically on the subjects of the history of black people in America, the image of black people in various forms of media, pop culture and hip-hop music. He has spoken on various college campuses and at conferences both nationally and abroad.
AFN seeks to support the ever-growing community of black writers, artists, and thinkers in the realms of science fiction, fantasy, comic books and film. They examine the role and place of black people in the past, present and future, and serve as a hub for black creativity and thought.
The BsaM convention schedule also includes live performances, panels, lectures, hands-on workshops and the MECCAcon International Film Festival.
BsaM is a loose umbrella term represented for different positions or basis of inquiry: Afrofuturism, Astro Blackness, Afro-Surrealism, Ethno Gothic, Black Digital Humanities, Black (Afro-future female or African Centered) Science Fiction, The Black Fantastic, Magical Realism and The Esoteric.
Tickets and the complete schedule for the Philadelphia convention can be found at bsamphilly2016.eventbrite.com or www.facebook.com/events/1614789775501626/. Attendees, presenters and vendors are encouraged to use the hashtag #BSAMphilly2016 to promote the convention on social media.
Last month, Jones and AFN participated in a highly successful workshop sponsored by Diverse Writers and Artists of Speculative Fiction (DWASF) in conjunction with Black Author Showcase on how to develop stories in science fiction, fantasy and horror.
"This workshop helped people learn to create high-quality fiction that accurately portrays people of color," said K. Ceres Wright, president and founder of DWASF.
Held at the Long Branch Library in Silver Springs, Md., Jones addressed the representation of black characters in comic book and supernatural/fantasy films. He also spoke on his first book, The Ex-Con, Voodoo Priest, Goddess, and the African King.
Authors Cerece Rennie Murphy, Stafford Battle, B. Sharise Moore, Diane Williams, and K. Ceres Wright also participated in the workshop.
"It's important that we take control of our image and representation in all forms," Jones said.
For more information on AFN and Jones, visit AfroFuturismNet.com.
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