The Afrofuturist Summer Book Series: Jordan “JP” Jackson and Lawrence Brown

Dr. Lawrence Brown will join us to explore independent Black speculative fiction projects in our new summer series! He will talk with three authors about their novels, screenplays, and comic books that imaginatively explore Black futures and alter destinies. Their quirky and creative visions are situated in Baltimore and the DMV. Their works leap beyond our collective calamity to forge future flourishing.

The August edition will feature Jordan “JP” Jackson and his E.V.E of Insurrection and Growin’ in the Garden comic books– as well as Journey and the Abolition Democracy, a comic book by Lawrence Brown that Jackson illustrated. Each set in a future world, these comics take on themes of Black History, empowerment, and fighting corruption, each with its own lighthearted and creative approach.

In The E.V.E of Insurrection, Lana Baker, a corporate controller, empowers oppressed communities and assumes a double life as the Shadow Queen, in a massive futuristic bunker city.

In Growin’ in the Garden, Gerald, Gaia, and B4ldw1n learn and solve problems in the Underground.

In Journey and the Abolition Democracy, 15-year-old Journey Olamina narrates Black history…from the future! Journey lives in Baltimore in the year 2064 and attends a public school named Ethel Ennis High School.

Join us on the Ivy patio for a whimsical and imaginative conversation!

Comics will be available for sale at the event.