(ThyBlackMan.com) The genre of science fiction has long been a space to dream beyond the limitations of our current world, imagining futures unbound by the confines of race, gender, and inequality. Historically, the contributions of Black writers to science fiction have often been overlooked, despite their groundbreaking work in reimagining what the genre can be. When we think of Black science fiction, Octavia Butler’s name often comes to mind, and deservedly so—her works like Kindred and Parable of the Sower are genre-defining. However, there’s an expansive world of Black science fiction beyond Butler, filled with equally visionary writers whose works challenge societal norms and expand our understanding of humanity. Here are nine Black sci-fi writers whose work you should absolutely explore.
1. Samuel R. Delany
A towering figure in speculative fiction, Samuel R. Delany’s work has been shaping the genre since the 1960s. Delany is known for his complex narratives that intertwine issues of race, gender, and sexuality with mind-bending explorations of futuristic societies. His novel Dhalgren (1975) is both a cult classic and a critical favorite, offering a surreal exploration of a decaying, ever-shifting cityscape that defies easy interpretation. Similarly, Nova (1968) is a space opera that blends economic critique with philosophical musings, setting the stage for the cyberpunk genre years before it formally emerged.
Delany’s work demands an active reader, someone willing to parse the layers of meaning he embeds in his prose. His contributions to the genre make him essential reading for anyone serious about science fiction, particularly those interested in how speculative narratives can interrogate systemic inequalities.
2. N.K. Jemisin
N.K. Jemisin has revolutionized modern science fiction and fantasy, becoming the first author to win three consecutive Hugo Awards for her Broken Earth trilogy. The series, beginning with The Fifth Season (2015), explores a world perpetually on the brink of collapse due to catastrophic geological events. At its core, Jemisin’s work examines themes of oppression, resilience, and the cost of survival in a society stratified by power and prejudice.
What sets Jemisin apart is her ability to weave deeply personal, character-driven stories into expansive world-building. Her narratives are as much about the internal struggles of her characters as they are about the larger societal forces at play. Jemisin’s work is a masterclass in how science fiction can be both intimate and epic, offering readers an unflinching look at systems of power and resistance.
3. Tananarive Due
Though often celebrated for her work in horror, Tananarive Due’s science fiction is equally compelling. Her African Immortals series blends speculative elements with African mythology, creating a rich tapestry of narratives that explore themes of immortality, cultural heritage, and ethical dilemmas. The first book in the series, My Soul to Keep (1997), introduces readers to a 500-year-old Ethiopian immortal who struggles with the moral complexities of his existence.
Due’s background as a historian shines through in her meticulous world-building and her ability to connect speculative scenarios to real-world histories of colonialism and resistance. Her work often centers on Black resilience and survival, making her a vital voice in the realm of speculative fiction.
4. Nnedi Okorafor
Nnedi Okorafor’s self-described “Africanfuturism” has carved out a unique space in the science fiction landscape. Her works often blend futuristic technology with African cultures and mythologies, creating narratives that feel both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. In Who Fears Death (2010), Okorafor explores a post-apocalyptic Sudan, weaving a harrowing yet hopeful tale of a young woman’s fight against systemic violence and genocide.
Her Binti trilogy is another standout, following a young Himba woman who becomes the first of her people to attend an intergalactic university. The series combines themes of cultural identity, alienation, and reconciliation, offering a deeply personal yet universal story. Okorafor’s work challenges the Eurocentric lens of traditional sci-fi, presenting a vision of the future that is distinctly African.
5. Andrea Hairston
Andrea Hairston’s work is a vibrant blend of speculative fiction, theater, and cultural critique. Her novels, such as Mindscape (2006) and Redwood and Wildfire (2011), are known for their poetic prose and their ability to tackle complex themes like ecological disaster, systemic oppression, and the power of storytelling.
In Mindscape, Hairston imagines a world divided by a mysterious barrier known as the Rift, exploring the intersections of technology, magic, and human connection. Her characters are richly drawn, often grappling with the legacies of colonialism and the possibilities of healing through community. Hairston’s work is both challenging and rewarding, offering readers a deeply intellectual and emotionally resonant experience.
6. Rivers Solomon
Rivers Solomon is a relatively new voice in the genre but one that has already made a significant impact. Their debut novel, An Unkindness of Ghosts (2017), is a haunting exploration of race, gender, and trauma aboard a generation ship modeled after the antebellum South. The novel’s protagonist, Aster, is a brilliant and complex character whose journey forces readers to confront the dehumanizing effects of systemic oppression.
In The Deep (2019), co-written with the music group clipping., Solomon expands on a concept introduced in a song by the same name. The novella imagines a society of underwater beings descended from pregnant African women thrown overboard during the transatlantic slave trade. It’s a poignant meditation on memory, trauma, and the power of storytelling. Solomon’s work is both innovative and deeply rooted in the Black experience, making them a vital voice in contemporary speculative fiction.
7. Tochi Onyebuchi
Tochi Onyebuchi’s work bridges the gap between speculative fiction and incisive social commentary. In Riot Baby (2020), Onyebuchi examines the systemic racism of modern America through the lens of two siblings with extraordinary powers. The novella is a searing indictment of the prison-industrial complex and police brutality, wrapped in a narrative that is both intimate and expansive.
Onyebuchi’s War Girls (2019) is another standout, set in a futuristic Nigeria ravaged by climate change and civil war. The novel explores the human cost of conflict while celebrating the resilience and ingenuity of its young protagonists. Onyebuchi’s work is a testament to the power of speculative fiction to engage with urgent social issues while telling compelling stories.
8. Sheree Renée Thomas
As an editor, writer, and anthologist, Sheree Renée Thomas has been instrumental in amplifying Black voices in speculative fiction. Her edited collections, Dark Matter: A Century of Speculative Fiction from the African Diaspora (2000) and Dark Matter: Reading the Bones (2004), are essential anthologies that highlight the contributions of Black writers to the genre.
Thomas’s own fiction is equally compelling. Her short stories and novellas often blend magical realism with science fiction, creating narratives that are both haunting and uplifting. Thomas’s work explores themes of identity, history, and community, offering readers a deeply textured and multifaceted view of the Black experience in speculative fiction.
9. Steven Barnes
Steven Barnes is a prolific writer whose works often blend science fiction with martial arts, African mythology, and psychological depth. His Lion’s Blood series imagines an alternate history where Africans colonize the Americas and enslave Europeans, flipping the script on traditional narratives of power and domination. The series is a thought-provoking exploration of cultural identity, resilience, and the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion.
Barnes has also collaborated extensively with other sci-fi greats, including his wife, Tananarive Due, and Larry Niven. His works are engaging and accessible, making him a great entry point for readers new to science fiction.
The writers on this list represent a rich tapestry of voices within science fiction, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the genre. Their works challenge traditional narratives, offering fresh and often necessary perspectives on issues of race, gender, and power. Whether you’re a longtime sci-fi fan or new to the genre, these writers offer a wealth of stories that will inspire, provoke, and expand your understanding of what science fiction can be.
Staff Writer; Jamar Jackson
This brother has a passion for poetry and music. One may contact him at; JJackson@ThyBlackMan.com.
