In her article, A Meditation on Afro-NOWism, Josie Williams explores the intersection of technology, spirituality, and radical imagination. She reflects on the fellowship experience as a space for deep connection and belonging, stating, “This fellowship has gifted me a sense of belonging and community… the space and ability to present a complete version of myself without compromise or scrutiny.”
Williams emphasizes the need to critically engage with technology through a Black empowerment lens, drawing from thinkers like Amiri Baraka, who asserts, “The new technology must be spiritually oriented because it must aspire to raise man’s spirituality and expand man’s consciousness.” This quote anchors Williams’ belief that technology should reflect humanistic values rather than perpetuate oppressive systems.
Williams also highlights the power of the present moment, citing Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower: “All that you touch, You change. All that you change, Changes you. The only lasting truth is Change.” She uses this concept to illustrate how the NOW holds infinite potential for transformation, urging individuals to seize the power within themselves to visualize and create new realities.
By blending spiritual practice, such as meditation, with speculative imagination, Williams invites readers to consider how we can reshape both personal and collective futures. She encourages radical action rooted in imagination: “The people and resources you need are already there, waiting for you to connect and utilize, you simply have to claim it.”
Williams’ reflection on Afro-NOWism ultimately calls for an embrace of optimism and collective action, challenging oppressive structures while nurturing the possibilities of a liberated future.
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