From the beginning of the piece which calls upon the ancestors with unaccompanied trumpet, to the middle section which dances in a groove to the beat of the African Diaspora, to the finale which ends in the spoken words “Black lives will exist in the future”, Afrofuturism elicits stories of Blackness and embodies May's personal style, creativity and aesthetic while highlighting Black women.

Afrofuturism is an interdisciplinary multi-media work, showcasing the connection of visual and performing arts. This work is meant to take you on an aural and visual journey based on Shanyse Strickland’s work, Afrofuturism. The work is written for solo trumpet with pedal effects and piano accompaniment, and includes a music video and complementary photography exhibit which allows the music to be encapsulated and preserved for many people to experience.

Laurel wreath badge with text announcing Charlotte Black as an official selection at the 2023 Charlotte Black Film Festival.
Black and white award badge with laurel branches surrounding the text 'Official Selection 21st Annual Standing Rock International Shorts Festival 2023'.
Laurel wreath surrounding text announcing selection of Afrofuturism849 for a film competition and festival in 2023.
Black and white laurel wreath with text announcing Official Selection of the Black August Film Festival 2023.
Black and white laurel wreath badge with the text "Official Selection Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival 2023" in the center.

Afrofuturism Collaborators:

Shanyse Strickland, Composer

Theresa May, Trumpet

Megan Denman, Piano

Emanuel Wallace, Photographer

The Dark Room Co., Videographer

Sound Kulture, Designer

David Aguila, Mixing and Mastering Engineer

Eris Eady, Spoken Word Artist

Chevé Freed, Stylist/hair/makeup

Pablo Castillo Gomez, Tracking Engineer

Sharon Walsh, Tracking Engineer

Ismail Douglas, Capoeira Artist

Cleotha McJunkins, Capoeira Artist

Kent State University, Recording Location

Urgent Art Fund Grant through SPACES, Funding

Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, Supporter

Learn more

Afrofuturism Gallery

All photos by Emanuel Wallace

Pair of metallic silver rain boots with colorful clips and white fabric, set outdoors on a black-and-white patterned cloth, with a background of autumnal leaves.
Four guitar effects pedals are arranged in front of a black case with the brand name 'Blackstar,' with long, reddish-brown hair laid out behind them on a yellow surface.
A woman wearing black lace clothing and reflective sunglasses holds a gold trumpet while standing against a textured wall.
A woman with colorful hair and streetwear outfit leaning over a table covered with a black and white patterned cloth and a white mesh cloth, arranging or picking leaves from bushes nearby.
A woman with pink twisted buns hairstyle, wearing dark sunglasses, black lace top, and a black tulle skirt, holding a golden trumpet, standing against a textured, weathered stone wall.
A woman with pink braided hair, wearing futuristic sunglasses, a black lace top, and jewelry, holding a trumpet outdoors among green leaves.
A woman dressed in a black lace dress with a tulle skirt, wearing futuristic goggles, holding a trumpet, with pink braided hair styled into buns and standing against a weathered stone wall.
A woman dressed in a red satin dress and veil holding a trumpet, standing outdoors by the water with a cloudy sky.
A woman with styled braids and pearl earrings wearing futuristic sunglasses, dressed in a black lace dress, sitting against a stone wall, holding a small gold trumpet.
Person with multicolored dreadlocks working on a long orange hair extension, seated on a yellow surface in front of musical equipment, with a yellow backdrop and a wooden wall in the background.
A woman with colorful braided hair and long false nails, wearing high-tech glasses emitting blue light, in a dark environment.
Portrait of a woman with dark skin and pink hair styled in two buns, wearing earrings and a black lace top, in front of a grungy brick wall, with a metal chain in the foreground.
A woman dressed in a black lace top and tulle skirt holding a gold trumpet walking beside an old, weathered stone wall with ornate columns.
A man holding a camera walking on rocks near the sea, with a woman wearing a veil and colorful clothes standing on the rocks, under a partly cloudy sky.
A woman with red hair gets makeup applied by another woman wearing an orange cap and white shirt.
Two women standing close together in an indoor setting, one wearing a white crop top and jeans with an orange cap, the other with red hair and a patterned black and white jacket, are engaged in a moment involving plant care or examination.
Two shirtless men crouching on a grassy field while a crew member operates a camera nearby.
People filming a video outdoors, with a woman in the foreground and a man operating a camera rig.
A person dressed in a black dress with a tutu and a crown on their head standing in a dark corridor, with bright light at the end of the corridor illuminating the scene.
A woman with pink and purple styled hair wearing large reflective sunglasses, a black lace outfit, and multiple rings, standing outdoors with a green blurred background.
A woman with pink braided hair and sunglasses holding a trumpet stands among green leaves, dressed in black clothing.
Person with braided and coiled hair in red and pink, wearing ornate jewelry, holding a trumpet, dressed in a black lace garment, against a stone wall background.
A woman wearing reflective sunglasses, a black lace dress, and pink braids gazes at a man in a blue T-shirt with a backpack, standing outdoors near a large tree with green leaves.
Two women hugging in front of a colorful, abstract mural. One woman has short hair, wearing a hat, dark shirt, and khaki pants. The other woman has long hair, wearing a patterned dress, and holding a camera.