The Portalist, a haven for science fiction and fantasy fans, celebrates the “Octavia Tried to Tell Us” webinar series.  Since May of 2020, the ‘Octavia Tried to Tell Us’ webinar series has brought activists, authors, scholars, artists, and others together to discuss how the works of the late Octavia E. Butler apply to our current moment.  Now, after 22 illuminating webinars, the series is coming to a close. The free final webinar will air live on January 22nd, at 12:00 noon PT/ 3:00 pm EST. It will feature series founders Tananarive Due and Monica A. Coleman, with guest Walidah Imarisha.

Imarisha is a poet and educator, and co-edited the anthology Octavia’s Brood: Science Fiction Stories from Social Justice Movements along with adrienne maree brown.

Due is an American Book Award-winning author, and a UCLA professor who specializes in Black horror. Coleman is an educator and theologian, and has written and edited multiple books exploring the intersections of faith, race, gender, and mental health.

Past webinars in the ‘Octavia Tried’ series have featured guests such as Nalo HopkinsonToshi Reagon, Lynell George, Nisi Shawl, Damian Duffy and John Jennings, and many others. All of the webinars can currently be viewed on the ‘Octavia Tried’ website.

Although the webinar series will end on the 22nd, ‘Octavia Tried’ will continue to offer resources through the Shaping Change program, which offers guidance to those looking to harness Butler’s teachings in their community.

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