Octavia Butler Book Club

Date: January 29 & February 12th, 12:00 – 1:00p.m.
Located: Hybrid at Iowa City Senior Center + Zoom; Community Reading of Kindred and Parable of the Sower                                  Address: 28 S Linn Street, Iowa City, IA 52240

The Parables of the Future: Black Future Fest is a multi-site, month-long celebration highlighting Afrofuturistic art, literature, fashion, and community imagination across Iowa City. The festival features a collaborative community mural, an Afrofuturistic art gallery, a fashion show, a citywide reading of Octavia E. Butler’s “Kindred” and “Parable of the Sower”, and hands-on public workshops that engage residents of all ages.

All ages and all residents are invited to attend.

Those interested in buying Black Future Fest merchandise can do so at the Underground Shirts website. 

The festival was created to celebrate Black Creativity, Imagination & Afrofuturism. For those not familiar, Afrofuturism “expresses notions of Black identity, agency, and freedom through art, creative works, and activism that envision liberated futures for Black life,” according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The festival uplifts Black artistic expression across generations—honoring history while envisioning bold, liberated futures. Through literature, film, visual art, fashion, and community storytelling, the series highlights the power of Black imagination to shape what comes next while forging intergenerational & cross-cultural connections. Programming intentionally bridges youth, adults, and older adults, reflecting the belief that a thriving future is co-created across generations.

Collaborators

Black Future Fest was made possible by the following organizations: Iowa City Senior Center, Public Space One, Iowa City Public Library (ICPL), Film Scene Iowa City, UNESCO City of Literature, Art Advisory Committee, Dream City, Iowa City Foreign Relations Council (via Dream City), Founders of Iowa City Africa Fest (via Dream City), United Action for Youth (UAY).

Events

PS1 Open House — “What Is Afrofuturism?”: Jan 31, 2026 • 3– 5 p.m.

Location: PS1 Close House, 538 S. Gilbert St. Learn more about Afrofuturism and how it encompasses art, philosophy, culture, history, and more by meeting with artists. Lite refreshments will be served.

ICSC film screening —”The Black Beyond Trilogy”: Feb. 6, 2026 • noon– 1:30 p.m.

Filmmaker S. Torriano Berry will host a screening of three of his short films, known as “The Black Beyond Trilogy.” The screening will be held in Room 302 of the ICSC.

Film Scene — Something in the Water: Afrofuturist Short Films, Film Screening & Filmmaker Panel: Feb. 12, 2026 • 6:30 p.m.

Location: Film Scene at Chauncey. A celebration of Black speculative film with panel conversation.

Octavia Butler Book Panel (Kindred & Parable of the Sower): Feb 14, 2026 • 1:30 p.m.– 3 p.m.

Location: Iowa City Public Library. Experience a deep dive on two of Octavia E. Butler’s most iconic novels: “Kindred” and “Parable of the Sower.” Those who would rather attend virtually can do so. A link will be provided shortly.

“Love & Liberation” Gallery Opening, Fashion & Art Showcase: Feb 14, 2026 • 3:30 PM – 6 p.m.

Location: Iowa City Senior Center. Includes vendor market, community mini-canvas mural reveal, fashion show, and much more!

Dream City Community Forum, Feb 19, 2026 • 6-8 p.m.

This Dream City community conversation will confront misconceptions and cultural divides, while also fostering solidarity and collaboration between Africans and African Americans in the Iowa City area. To move from separation to shared purpose through empathy, education, and collective empowerment, Thabiti Willis, Grinnell College professor of African Diaspora Studies, will moderate this important discussion with panelists Mayor Pro Tem Mazahir Salih, Ashley Howard, Sunday Goshit, Vanessa Shannon, and Corte Beal.

Multi-day events

Book Club January 29 & February 12 2026 • Time: Noon hour

Location: Iowa City Senior Center & Zoom (hybrid)

Mini Canvas Kit Distribution: Dec. 15, 2025- Jan 19, 2026

Residents can make art to celebrate the festival; free art kits are provided. Locations: Iowa City Senior Center, PS1 (Public Space One), Iowa City Public Library, Film Scene lobby, Dream City, and select schools & partner businesses.

Gallery and Afrofuturism Displays: January through February 2026

Locations: PS1 / ICPL /Other locations. Afrofuturism displays will be in place at PS1 Library, Iowa City Public Library, and partner sites. More information to come soon.