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Panel Discussion

Afrofuturism: Art, Technology, and Innovation

October 10 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Tall wire sculpture painted with different shades of green.
Hayward L. Oubre, Jr. (American, 1916–2006), "Space Rhythms," 1960, painted metal wire on wood base, 41 ⅝ x 17 ¼ x 22 in., The Johnson Collection, Spartanburg, South Carolina

Inspired by the exhibition Hayward Oubre: Structural Integrity, this panel discussion explores the intersection of Afrofuturism, art, and technology. Oubre’s innovative use of wire coat hangers and his background as a military engineer provide a foundation to discuss how Black experiences continue to shape advancements in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and education.

Panelists include Derrick Cherry, Ph.D. (Customer Renewables Manager, Alabama Power), Malcolm Williams (CEO, TechnOrganic), and Dr. Calvin Briggs (Executive Director, The Southern Center for Broadening Participation in STEM). The conversation will dive into the role of technology in education, the potential of virtual reality and AI to reshape learning, and the impact of Black perspectives on the future of STEAM and cultural representation.