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The Smithsonian announced a new temporary exhibition coming March 24, 2023. The exhibit is called ”Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures” and will debut at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC).
Through art, music, fashion, activism and more, the exhibit will explore different realms of Afrofuturism, uniting African American history and pop culture to highlight its expansive impact on Black culture, from imaginary Afro-Future cities to the musical influences of artists like Janet Jackson and George Clinton.
Interactives and the Smithsonian Hi-digital in-gallery guide will be available to enhance visitors’ learning experience.
The exhibit is 4,300-square-feet and features an array of items to be on display, including the white long-sleeved shirt Jackson wore in the “Scream” music video, Nichelle Nichols’ Lt. Nyoto Uhura uniform on Star Trek and Nona Hendryx’s spacesuit-inspired costume during performance with LaBelle.
One of the highlights of the exhibit is the late Chadwick Boseman’s suit he wore on Black Panther (2018), the first supero of African descent to join mainstream American comics.
In the social justice section, Trayvon Martin’s flight suit from Experience Aviation will be included in the exhibit. Prior to his death, Martin aspired to be an astronaut but his life was taken early along with his dream.
“Trayvon Martin’s flight suit tells the story of a dream of space flight ended tragically by earthbound violence,” Kevin Young, the Andrew W. Mellon Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, said. “We are honored to tell more of Trayvon’s story, exploring his love of flight and mechanics and his fondness for science and technology. Afrofuturism charts the joy of a rich, imagined future, often in the face of injustice.
“Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures” will only be available from March 24, 2023 through March 2024.