AfroFuturism is a cultural aesthetic and philosophy that visits the past and envisions a transformative future through the lens of the African diaspora. By blending science fiction, history, and fantasy, this movement challenges and celebrates the fusion of African heritage with futuristic technology and innovation. In literature, groundbreaking works by authors like Octavia Butler and Nnedi Okorafor have reshaped speculative fiction by exploring themes of identity, power, and social change. In film, titles such as “Black Panther” and “Sorry to Bother You” have captured global attention with their visionary storytelling, while pioneering musicians like Sun Ra and Parliament-Funkadelic have infused their art with cosmic imagery and futuristic soundscapes. Across visual arts and other media, AfroFuturism continues to inspire creators and expand the boundaries of speculative fiction.

The AfroFuturism Lounge has emerged as a vital platform for celebrating and promoting AfroFuturism in San Diego. Its impact extends beyond simply hosting events; it fosters community building, empowers Black creatives, and provides a space for dialogue and collaboration. By connecting AfroFuturism with mainstream events like Comic-Con, the lounge increases awareness and appreciation for this cultural movement. The lounge’s success is evident in the positive response from attendees and its continued growth, including the expansion into Afro-Con. The AfroFuturism Lounge’s commitment to inclusivity and its focus on showcasing diverse talent make it a significant contributor to the cultural landscape.

This year it is expanding to be at BayCon 2025/ Westercon 77 and building connections from the San Diego Area up to the San Francisco Bay Area. The work done to build communities throughout California is an important goal of the AfroFuturism Lounge. It will bring the voices  and stories from Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, and Santa Clara as well as the surrounding communities and share their impact on Speculative Fiction, Poetry, Film Making, and the culture movement that has always been the backbone of the Bay Area. BayCon2025/ Westercon 77 is honored to be able to host the AfroFuturism Lounge and support the work that LaWana Richmond and her team have created at other mainstream events that we all enjoy. We look forward to building this connection and making it a mainstay at BayCon 2025 and beyond. Come and explore all that the AfroFuturism Lounge has to share and find ways to keep building the community beyond our events.

Visit the AfroFuturism Lounge at BayCon

Experience the future of cultural expression at the AfroFuturism Lounge (located within the California Ballroom’s Salon 1), hosted by our esteemed Guest of Honor, Dr. LaWana Richmond. This immersive space is dedicated to celebrating the transformative spirit of AfroFuturism and offers a relaxed environment for engaging conversations, inspiring multimedia displays, and networking with fellow fans. Stay tuned for more details on special screenings, interactive sessions, and other unique experiences that will make the AfroFuturism Lounge a standout feature of BayCon.