Smithsonian’s Afrofuturism Exhibition Will Feature Trayvon Martin’s Flight Suit

Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures offers an immersive exploration of Afrofuturist expression and its impact on various facets of culture.

The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) has unveiled its latest exhibition, “Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures,” offering an immersive exploration of Afrofuturist expression and its impact on music, activism, art, and various facets of culture, according to Essence. The exhibition, which commenced on March 24, 2023, will continue to captivate audiences until August 2024 in the museum’s Bank of America Special Exhibitions Gallery.

Announcing the exhibition via Instagram in November 2022, the NMAAHC highlighted its breadth, encapsulating the historical journey from enslaved individuals seeking freedom through cosmic inspiration to contemporary influences from science fiction that resonate with Black astronauts. The post underlined the multifaceted nature of Afrofuturism, encompassing influences from musical luminaries such as Sun Ra, OutKast, and P-Funk.

At the heart of the 4,300-square-foot temporary exhibition is the iconic Black Panther suit worn by the late Chadwick Boseman in the groundbreaking 2018 film Black Panther. This artifact, a symbol of cultural significance, anchors the exploration into Afrofuturism’s intersection with cinema and pop culture.

According to Essence, the exhibition extends its narrative with an array of noteworthy artifacts, including author Octavia Butler’s typewriter, Nona Hendryx’s space suit-inspired outfit, and Nichelle Nichols’ “Star Trek” uniform. Each item is a testament to the diverse ways Afrofuturism has manifested in different realms of creativity.

One poignant inclusion is Trayvon Martin’s flight suit, echoing a dream tragically cut short by terrestrial violence. Kevin Young, the Andrew W. Mellon Director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, expressed the significance of Martin’s story, stating, “Trayvon Martin’s flight suit tells the story of a dream of space flight ended tragically by earthbound violence.” The flight suit, worn during Martin’s attendance at Experience Aviation in his early teens, holds sentimental value for his family, embodying his aspirations within the aviation field.

Tracy Martin, Trayvon’s father, shared, “It was a badge of honor for the students to have the flight suit with the patches on it. It was part of their uniform for the program. He loved it. He loved it.”

The exhibition “Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures” unfolds as a comprehensive journey, weaving together the threads of historical struggles, creative expression, and dreams of a liberated and socially equitable future. NMAAHC welcomes visitors to delve into this enriching experience that pays homage to the impact and resonance of Afrofuturism across generations.

“For those seeking to explore the intersection of culture, creativity, and Afrofuturism, the exhibition beckons with its diverse array of artifacts and narratives.”