AstroSankofa References_Web Article Graphic_V3

AstroSankofa explores different historical iconographies of legendary Afrofuturists who have shared their sonic frequency at Carnegie Hall. Recognizing Afrofuturism as a feminist praxis—as stated by Ytasha Womack, Alondra Nelson, Camille Turner, and Nalo Hopkinson, among others—I wanted to depict an iconic memorial of Black women that embodies the continuity of resilience and the evolution of Blackness that Afrofuturism facilitates space for in its multidimensional manifestations.

The foundation of the piece is a tribute to the great and under-celebrated African American soprano Madame Matilda Sissieretta Jones (1868–1933), the first person of African descent to headline at Carnegie Hall. She spoke about her struggle and pursuit to build herself up as a singer: “We come through the furnaces of affliction and persecution and become as gold, tried in the fire. As the crushed rose emits the sweetest perfume, so the Negro, bruised and beaten, sings the sweetest songs.”

This sentiment made me think of Sankofa bird symbolism, but also how the Black-African diasporic experience is like that of a rising phoenix. The posture is in homage to the great Queen of Saturn, June Tyson—the songbird, high priestess, and voice of Sun Ra’s Arkestra. Along with these two references, the work features an assemblage of elements that are meant to speak to how Black folks globally have used the arts to empower, enlighten, and project towards brighter futures.

Some references are to musical artists who have performed at Carnegie Hall, including the Kemetic-inspired headdress of Sun Ra, and the wings of Horus from Earth, Wind & Fire’s logo. There’s an adaptation of Falcon’s armor and Geordi La Forge’s visor, inspired by Kenyan Afrofuturist artist Cyrus Kabiru. The spacesuit and glove are a nod to Mae Jemison, along with a couple of Black Panther references. What I would hope for the audience to understand is that Afrofuturism is an exciting, multifaceted experience that’s for everyone to contribute to and participate in.

—Quentin VerCetty