The Parables of the Future: Black Future Fest is a multi-site, month-long celebration highlighting Afrofuturistic art, literature, fashion, and community imagination across Iowa City. The festival features a collaborative community mural, an Afrofuturistic art gallery, a fashion show, a citywide reading of Octavia E. Butler's "Kindred" and "Parable of the Sower", and hands-on public workshops that engage residents of all ages.

All ages and all residents are invited to attend.

The festival was created to celebrate Black Creativity, Imagination & Afrofuturism. For those not familiar, Afrofuturism "expresses notions of Black identity, agency, and freedom through art, creative works, and activism that envision liberated futures for Black life," according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. 

The festival uplifts Black artistic expression across generations—honoring history while envisioning bold, liberated futures. Through literature, film, visual art, fashion, and community storytelling, the series highlights the power of Black imagination to shape what comes next while forging intergenerational & cross-cultural connections. Programming intentionally bridges youth, adults, and older adults, reflecting the belief that a thriving future is co-created across generations.

Collaborators 

Black Future Fest was made possible by the following organizations: Iowa City Senior Center, Public Space One, Iowa City Public Library (ICPL), FilmScene Iowa City, UNESCO City of Literature, Art Advisory Committee, Dream City, Iowa City Foreign Relations Council (via Dream City), Founders of Iowa City Africa Fest (via Dream City), United Action for Youth (UAY).

Events

MLK Day of Service — Food Drive & Art Workshop: Jan. 19, 2026 • 10 a.m.– 2p.m.

Location: Iowa City Senior Center. Honor Martin Luther King Jr. through service and creativity. Features community potluck, and community mural creation. Family friendly!

PS1 Open House — “What Is Afrofuturism?”: Jan 31, 2026 • 3– 5 p.m.

Location: PS1 Close House, 538 S. Gilbert St. Learn more about Afrofuturism and how  it encompasses art, philosophy, culture, history, and more by meeting with artists. Lite refreshments will be served. 

FilmScene — Something in the Water: Afrofuturist Short Films, Film Screening & Filmmaker Panel: Feb. 12, 2026 • 6:30 p.m.

Location: FilmScene at Chauncey. A celebration of Black speculative film with panel conversation. 

Octavia Butler Book Panel (Kindred & Parable of the Sower): Feb 14, 2026 • 1:30 p.m.– 3 p.m.

Location: Iowa City Public Library. Experience a deep dive on two of Octavia E. Butler's most iconic novels: "Kindred" and "Parable of the Sower." Those who would rather attend virtually can do so. A link will be provided shortly. 

“Love & Liberation” Gallery Opening, Fashion & Art Showcase: Feb 14, 2026 • 3:30 PM – 6 p.m.

Location: Iowa City Senior Center. Includes vendor market, community mini-canvas mural reveal, fashion show, and much more! 

Dream City Community Forum, Feb 19, 2026 • 6-8 p.m.

This Dream City community conversation will confront misconceptions and cultural divides, while also fostering solidarity and collaboration between Africans and African Americans in the Iowa City area. To move from separation to shared purpose through empathy, education, and collective empowerment, Thabiti Willis, Grinnell College professor of African Diaspora Studies, will moderate this important discussion with panelists Mayor Pro Tem Mazahir Salih, Ashley Howard, Sunday Goshit, Vanessa Shannon, and Corte Beal.

Multi-day events

Book Club January 29 & February 12 2026 • Time: Noon hour

Location: Iowa City Senior Center & Zoom (hybrid)

Mini Canvas Kit Distribution: Dec. 15, 2025- Jan 10, 2026

Residents can make art to celebrate the festival; free art kits are provided. Locations: Iowa City Senior Center, PS1 (Public Space One), Iowa City Public Library, FilmScene lobby, Dream City, Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County sites, select schools & partner businesses.

Gallery and Afrofuturism Displays: January through February 2026

Locations: PS1 / ICPL /Other locations. Afrofuturism displays will be in place at PS1 Library, Iowa City Public Library, and partner sites. More information to come soon.