Over the past several decades, Black speculative fiction has undergone a profound transformation. What was once a peripheral and often inaccessible tradition has become a central force in contemporary culture, influencing literature, film, television, and global popular discourse.

Since childhood, I have found great comfort in the imaginary; the fantastical. Books became my obsession. As often as they could, my eyes devoured stories of dragon riders and potion makers and mad scientists and mystical warriors—all of whom were the heroes and arbiters of their own futures. The more I read, however, the more frustrated I became: none of these tales were made for me, or for young kids like me.