Frequently Asked Questions
What is Afrofuturism?
Afrofuturism offers an intersectional, multi-temporal, multi-dimensional, and interdisciplinary approach to the future. Also called a liberation movement, Afrofuturism empowers us to craft destinies and realities of inclusion, health, joy, and prosperity using speculative modalities such as science fiction, surrealism, magical realism, and horror. The cultural movement investigates the intersection of race, technology, and science while being inspired by mythologies, legends, spiritual practices, and cosmologies from Africa and the diaspora. Afrofuturism serves as a vehicle to liberate Black bodies and all humans.
Why Afrofuturism?
For Black-bodied people, a particular process has to occur to confront the true meaning of their identity. The images Afrofuturism conjures in the imagination permit us to move through the trauma of being Black into the liberated state of blackness. Because the trauma of Black people in the diaspora is particular and unique for each individual, we want to focus on your consciousness to help move beyond the limitations that our Black minds, bodies, and souls have been subjected to for centuries.
I define the afrofuture as a consciousness of fugivity, a refusal of modernity and coloniality while inviting us to be in right relationship with nature, each other, and ourselves. Afrofuturism centers on justice-oriented experimentation, which stimulates the non-linear "beyond" space.
What is the Dinkinesh Method?
The Dinkinesh Method is a transformative futures practice rooted in Afrofuturism, designed to reclaim and reimagine futures through the lens of justice, abundance, and collective thriving. Named after Dinkinesh, the ancient Ethiopian ancestor symbolizing the Black mother of humanity, this method serves as a portal to cultivate an "afrofuture consciousness" grounded in ancestral wisdom, community collaboration, and radical love. By journeying through its five interconnected phases—Living Myth, Dark Matter, Cosmic Magic, Alter-Destiny, and The Continuum—it empowers individuals and communities to shed fear and control, honor cultural vibrancy, and co-create a future filled with joy, balance, and liberation.[learn more]
Who is Dinkinesh?
Dinkinesh is the Amharic name of remains found in the Afar Triangle region in Ethiopia. They are 3.5 million years old. Dinkinesh means “you are marvelous.” Born in the abundance of Africa, we know of her as Lucy in the West. We chose Dinkinesh to be the symbol of our great mother that we share globally. Dinkinesh symbolically emphasizes how our liberations are tied.
Can non-Black-bodied people participate in TASI workshops and events? With coaching sessions with Ingrid LaFleur?
Yes! Embracing Blackness in its totality has the potential to be healing to everyone. This is why Dinkinesh inspires us. Her ancient-hood places her as our universal mother. She is a symbol of our divine connection. I invite you to join the afrofuture journey and stimulate another part of your imagination.