Episodes

  • The Legacy of Octavia Butler
    Nov 13 2024

    This conversation delves into the profound impact of Octavia Butler's work, particularly her exploration of identity, legacy, and the human condition. It highlights the importance of imagination in shaping our realities and the necessity for confronting historical trauma through storytelling. Brandon Jacob Jenkins joins us to discuss the adaptation of Butler's 'Kindred' and the complexities of relationships within her narratives, the challenges in writing and adapting in Hollywood, and our need to expand past our fixed perceptions in society.

    Series Links:

    Interview with Brand Jacob Jenkins

    Read: The Book of Martha Kindred

    Connect: Jacquees Thomas @_ThatsPeace

    Join the collective writing community BLKWritersRoom.com

    Learn More: OctaviaButler.com

    A Black Effect Original Series

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    46 mins
  • The Stars Are Free, Parable of the Sower
    Oct 29 2024

    Today we delve into the profound impact of Octavia Butler's work on Black literature and the unique perspectives it offers.

    The conversation explores various interpretations of Butler's narratives, critiques of her approach, and the historical context of Afrofuturism. It highlights the educational value of her work and its prophetic nature, emphasizing the themes of community, change, and resilience as embodied by the character Lauren Olamina in her Parable series.

    The episode concludes with the dissect of a conversation between Olamina and her stepmother., "I'd rather have the stars,” I say. “The stars are free.” She shrugs. “I'd rather have the city lights back myself, the sooner the better, but the stars are free."

    Interviews - In order of introduction:

    Joshunda Sanders

    Dr. Reynaldo Anderson - Black Speculative Arts Movement

    Sheila Liming

    Bruce Duncan - Terasem Movement Foundation

    Series Links:

    Read: Parable of the Sower, Kindred

    Connect: Jacquees Thomas @_ThatsPeace

    BLKWritersRoom.com

    Learn More: OctaviaButler.com

    A Black Effect Original Series

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    30 mins
  • Who is Octavia Butler?
    Oct 15 2024

    Who is Octavia Butler? What molded her creativity?

    In today's episode we continue to explore the life and legacy of Octavia Butler, an oracle of science fiction, whose visions of the future resonate more deeply today than ever. We examine the backdrop of her upbringing, the environment around her and the lasting impressions on her life that defined her as a writer. Nisi Shawl (Writer / Friend) also joins in to discuss the work, and her relationship with the late Octavia Butler.

    Read: Parable of the Sower, The Last Unicorn

    Connect: Jacquees Thomas @_ThatsPeace

    BLKWritersRoom.com

    Learn More: NisiShawl.com

    OctaviaButler.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    33 mins
  • The Power of Black Literature
    Oct 1 2024

    Welcome to the home of Black literature. BLK Lit is a bi-weekly series that delves into the lives and works of literary visionaries in ways you’ve never seen before. Hosted by Jacquees R. Thomas, this podcast is a meditation on the words that move us and the authors who bring those stories to life. In a world of book bans and "fake news," we are honoring the power of writing and reading.

    With four episodes dedicated to each luminary—beginning with Octavia Butler—this podcast dives deep to answer how each writer's personal experiences shaped their professional legacies. How did they bend traditional spaces to suit their more expansive visions? And how are we encouraged to do the same with what we’ve learned from them?

    Connect:

    Jacquees Thomas @_ThatsPeace

    Learn More: BLKWritersRoom.com

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    28 mins
  • Introducing: BLK LIT
    Sep 24 2024

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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    1 min