It’s been ten years since Octavia Butler, the best-selling author of The Patternist series and Kindred passed away. While her death was untimely and her presence is still missed by fans everywhere, the extraordinary author — the first science-fiction writer to ever receive the MacArthur Genius Grant — is still inspiring fans with the work that she’s left behind. Her contributions to the afro-futurism sub-genre of science fiction, and her collection of private papers that were donated to The Huntington Library both serve to preserve her legacy.
Now, a note that Butler left for herself in one of her books will remind you of how powerful dreams can be and how important it is to follow them. Here’s the text:
According to The Huntington Library’s blog, the following note, which appears inside the cover of one of her earlier works, will be part of a year-long celebration which will include not only a celebration of Butler but the opportunity for people who have been affected by the legendary author’s work to create new pieces influenced by Butler’s oeuvre.
At the core of the project is a series of artist and writer commissions to create new works based on The Huntington’s Butler archive. Associated talks, performances, and literary events will take place at various venues throughout the year. One of these events—a panel discussion with philosopher Amy Kind and scholar Shelley Streeby—will take place at The Huntington this fall.
If you’re not yet familiar with Butler’s work, head on over to the award-winning author’s website to learn about her unwavering commitment to writing about issues that matter to all of us. Perhaps it’ll inspire you to chase a dream you’ve neglected or haven’t yet achieved.
(Via The Huntington)
