Chantilly, VA -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/11/2017 -- Author and founder of Afrofuturism Network William Jones will share his knowledge of black comic book heroes and illustration techniques at three upcoming events in the Washington metropolitan area.
Jones, a self-described comic book geek, will host two art workshops for youth who are interested in comic book illustration and a book signing during the month of January.
"Learn the Basics of Comic Book Illustration" will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Quince Orchard Library, 15831 Quince Orchard Rd., Gaithersburg, Md. The hands-on workshop is designed for youth ages 10 to 17 years old. Paper and pencils will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring their own supplies.
Registration can be completed at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library. The workshop is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Quince Orchard Chapter. For more information, call 240-777-0200.
The first workshop is a lead-up event to Montgomery County Public Libraries' inaugural comic book convention, MoComCon, the venue for Jones' second workshop.
MoComCon will take place on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017 at the Silver Spring Library, 900 Wayne Ave., Silver Spring, Md. The free event is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. with registration for Jones' workshop open at 11 a.m.
"I would like thank Montgomery County Libraries for their continued support," Jones said. "I always look forward to work with youth and the next generation of artists."
The event also includes a variety of panels, additional workshops, programs, displays, exhibitors and a cosplay contest. Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/library/programs/mocomcon/ for more details.
Between the two art workshops, Jones will discuss and sign copies of his latest book at Sankofa Video, Books and Café on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017 at 4 p.m.
In The Ex-Con, Voodoo Priest, Goddess, and the African King: A Social, Cultural, and Political Analysis of Four Black Comic Book Heroes, Jones delves into the past's of four black comic book characters to break down their origins and analyze their representation throughout comic book history. In turn, his analysis gives the reader a feel for the future of diversity and representation in the comic book medium.
His presentation will also include a discussion of the portrayal of black people in science-fiction, fantasy and supernatural films.
"I am very excited to be making my first appearance at Sankofa Video, Books and Cafe. Sankofa has long been an educational and cultural landmark in Washington, and I am honored that they would host such an event for me," Jones said.
Sankofa Video, Books and Café is located at 2714 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington DC, across from Howard University.
For more information, visit http://www.sankofa.com/.
Jones frequently speaks on the subjects of the history of black people in America and the image of black people in various forms of media, pop culture and hip-hop music on college campuses and at conferences both nationally and abroad.
About Afrofuturism Network
Afrofuturism Network seeks to support the ever-growing community of black writers, artists, and thinkers in the realms of sci-fi, fantasy, comic books and film, and analyzes the contributions and portrayal of black characters in these mediums. Additionally, AFN examines the role and place of black people in the past present and future and serves as a hub for black creativity and thought.
Learn more about Jones and Afrofuturism Network at www.afrofuturismnet.com.
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