About Into a Black Beyond by ConTextos
In 2022, ConTextos launched its second chapter of Into a Black Beyond, a multimedia project that aims to build a new library of writing and art created by Black Chicagoans. IABB embraces our multitudes to go beyond dichotomies. It is a space for ALL types of Black people. IABB 2.0 intends to continue an excavation of the Chicago we call home and imagine through written, visual, and fine Art.

IABB 2.0 is a three-part series of modules, the third of which will meet on Wednesday evenings this Fall. 

What follows is the application for Module Three: Afrofuturism

Afrofuturism defined simply: Afrofuturism is a movement in literature, music, art, etc., featuring futuristic or science fiction themes which incorporate elements of black history and culture.

Afrofuturism is not only about the future, our future. It also involves looking back and reimagining alternative versions of the past and present. It centers the people of the African diaspora in speculative works of fiction that range from the realistic to the fanciful. Afrofuturism frees us to imagine and reimagine our past, present, and future as Black people. It presents an opportunity to free ourselves, even if only in worlds of our own creation at first, from oppressive and disruptive forces. Like many works of speculative fiction, Afrofuturism looks at what is happening now and what has happened in the past in order to project possibilities into the future and alternate realities.

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About the Program
>>>>>>  TIME COMMITMENT  <<<<<<

Module 3 meets every Wednesday starting September 28, 2022 with a last meeting date of Wednesday November 16, 2022, 5:30 pm to 7:30 PM in-person at 2240 gallery located at 2240 S Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616.

The Module 3 culminating event will be in December at 2240 Gallery.

>>>>>>  WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU  <<<<<<

+++ 9 IABB Authors Circle sessions with seasoned facilitator Dimitri Hepburn
+++ 1 Presentation and Q+As with guests speaker TBD
+++ Writing from our sessions published in a compilation along with other members of the cohort.
+++ Spotlight presence on ConTextos social media platforms
+++Your words might be featured on IABB 2.0 Swag!

>>>>>> WHAT YOU'LL MAKE <<<<<<

+++ Together we will be writing both works of speculative fiction as well as reflective writing on topics discussed during our sessions. Our writing will be published in a single volume featuring all members of the cohort. 
+++ Possible creative collaborations and membership in a growing community of ConTextos program participants

>>>>>> PROGRAM NOTE ON CONFIDENTIALITY <<<<<<

Into A Black Beyond is a brave space to write, reflect and create art about our individual lived experiences by digging through the soil of Black Chicago's historical and cultural roots while looking toward the future.

Sometimes, our trauma stories may come up as we are writing or sharing during Circle. Collective confidentiality is a critical commitment of all Into a Black Beyond Authors, Artists, Guests and Facilitators.  We will be creating work that will be published and in public view, but Authors and Artists determine for themselves which of their stories will be amplified, and how they will do that.  

This also means there will be no recording or screenshots of sessions allowed, with rare exceptions when facilitators may do so specifically on specific days, but only after receiving consent from all present and making a clear announcement.

Into a Black Beyond is a place of collective, collaborative exploration and community building. It is also a place that honors and lifts up the self-determination, agency and self-representation of all Authors and Artists.

A Note About the Application Process
This application is created with the intent to forge a unique circle, representing a vibrant array of life experiences and perspectives. Space is limited to 12 to 15 participants.

Please note your responses to the questions below will be reviewed with the intention of creating a robust gumbo of participants in each module, not to reinforce a false sense of competition or the anxiety of not being "good enough". The expert of anything was once a beginner. Into a Black Beyond will be a space where individuals with diverse personal and professional experiences are welcomed exactly as they are, to nourish our own gifts while contributing to the collective, to expand the circle of wise teachers.
Application Process
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS 9AM CST ON MONDAY, September 12TH. Please contact us if you need more time to complete.

All applicants will be contacted by MONDAY. September 19th with a decision.
About Your Facilitator
Into a Black Beyond 2.0, Module Three will be facilitated by Dimitri Hepburn.  We will also have 1 special guest whose work and/or activism is thematically connected to the topic of Afrofuturism. 
Dimitri Hepburn
Dimitri is an Authors Circle facilitator and digital media producer at ConTextos. Born in the Bahamas and raised in the Bronx, Dimitri has grown deep roots in Chicago where he helps create opportunities to learn, explore, and tell stories about the world and ourselves; stories that provide fertile ground for empathy and understanding. Dimitri was a Science teacher in Chicago for thirteen years and has had the honor of being a facilitator at ConTextos for the past three years. Dimitri's interests include photography and all things related to Science.
About ConTextos
ConTextos offers a platform for people to claim and share their own narratives to help overcome trauma, violence, injustice and inequity.  Together, we co-create spaces where we connect, build community, reflect deeply and create meaningfully.  Learn more at ConTextos.org, and email chicago@contextos.org with any questions.
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