The Harmonization of Identities and the Roots of Resistance through an Africanfuturist Lens in Nnedi Okorafor’s Binti: The Complete Trilogy

Resumen

Africanfuturism is organised around a covert debate between interrelated concepts: deep-rooted African cultural elements, and the multifaceted notion of intersectionality. This subgenre of science fiction highlights the experiences of black women marginalised by race and gender, who continue to face systemic discrimination. Therefore, the work of the Africanfuturist author Nnedi Okorafor interrogates and challenges the dominant representations of black womanhood in science fiction. This exploration aims to reveal why intersectional narratives provide black women with reflections that dismantle the constraints of racist and patriarchal systems. Besides, the essay explores an African-inspired setting where characters actively cultivate a deeper connection with their African heritage. These roots serve as a potent support network, fostering resistance and empowering them to navigate the challenges they confront. The inclusion of black female characters, whose heritage is often stereotyped as primitive, offers a powerful opportunity to reimagine the future presenting a black afro-descendant woman actively shaping her own destiny. Through these narratives, Okorafor offers a compelling vision of empowerment and resistance, showcasing the profound impact of African cultural elements and intersectional perspectives in reshaping science fiction narratives.