S28E8: Octavia Butler Tried to Tell Us with Dr. Susana M. Morris

Hey lady! We know that the daily onslaught of the news of these times can be distressing and difficult to ignore. There are genuine reasons to feel alarm during the current administration but we are blessed to have a deep history of having visionaries, luminaries, and trailblazers offer a blueprint of how to imagine brighter tomorrows.

Octavia Butler is one of the most prescient artists of our time but her life was lived somewhat in obscurity, only coming to prominence long after her death. Yet, her writing gave way to world-building where weird, strange, genius Black women could write themselves into the future by being present with their experience. 

Dr. Susana M. Morris, a waymaker in her own right as a founding member of the Crunk Feminist Collective and author of Positive Obsession: The Life and Times of Octavia Butler, explores how Octavia’s life circumstances, disciplined writing practice, and passion birthed works that offer a clear-eyed examination of society and culture while also giving full permission for Black women to indulge our imaginations for a beautiful future that includes us!

Join Terri and Dr. Dom as they have a spirited discussion with Susana about Octavia Butler and her powerful artistry. While Octavia made it clear that she was not a prophet; she was so deeply connected to her dreams and words that she manifested a body of work that has inspired generations of future trailblazers and wayshowers. 

Quote of the Day:
“Black women writers are necessary so that Black women can define and depict their own experiences rather than being objects in the stories of others.” 
– Octavia Butler  

Where to find Susana Morris:
Website: Susanmorris.com
Book: Positive Obsession: The Life and Times of Octavia Butler
Instagram: @susiemaye
Twitter (X): @iamcrunkadelic
Threads: @susiemaye    

Goal Mapping Starter Guide
Cultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary  

Resources:
Dr. Dom’s Therapy Practice
Branding with Terri
Melanin and Mental Health
Therapy for Black Girls 
Psychology Today
Therapy for QPOC  

Where to find us:
Twitter: @HERspacepodcast
Instagram: @herspacepodcast
Facebook: @herspacepodcast
Website: cultivatingherspace.com

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