Science fiction allows us to imagine what happened a long, long time ago in a galaxy far far away, or to boldly go where no one has gone before.
Through science fiction, we're able to explore new frontiers in science, innovation, and society.
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Star Trek
Boldly going where no one went before ...
Nichelle Nichols, portraying Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek, was one of the first Black women to hold a prominent role in a major television series. Not only did she break barriers on screen, she helped NASA recruit astronaut candidates to join the space shuttle program.
Star Wars
That's no moon.
Star Wars director George Lucas, and the other artists and conceptual designers behind the look and feel of the original trilogy, grew up during the height of the Cold War and were heavily influenced by the Vietnam War. This period of conflict shaped their perspectives and portrayal of combat ... and the Death Star in particular.
2001: A Space Odyssey
You might also pick up some good ideas (and writers) if you come, disguised as one fo the characters from the Star Wars cantina...
Arthur C. Clarke, author of 2001: A Space Odyssey, wrote to director Stanley Kubrick, inviting him to the World [Science Fiction] Convention. This gem is one of many you'll find in Clarke's archival papers.
Afrofuturism
Afrofuturism is the reframing and reimagining of the past, present, and future through a global Black lens. A multi-media movement rooted in issues of social justice and equity, it centers African and African American contributions to the advancement of science, technology, and culture and is often explored through music, art, and literature.
To Infinity and Beyond
A science fiction mix-tape just for you.
Summer 2020, NASA’s Perseverance rover launched on its seven month journey from Cape Canaveral, Florida to Jezero Crater, Mars. To accompany Percy on its seven-month journey, we’re compiling a literary mixtape of Martian-themed sci-fi set to music by DJ Kid Koala. New episodes are released every month.