I arrived later than expected, but I had a great time at the @afrofuturismlounge hosted by @firyali. I had the chance to listen to James Spooner, known for his seminal documentary Afro-Punk, which explores the experience of Black people in punk rock. James talked about why he was attracted to the punk scene as a teenager, how a visit to his family in St. Lucia inspired him to explore the role of Black people in punk - eventually leading him to make the Afro-Punk documentary (the original title was much more provocative), and why corporate influence on a grass-roots movement may not always be the best thing (who knew?). While listening to James, I realized that punk rock is not a brand, it’s a lifestyle. A lot of the same values that drove the early stages of punk drove the early stages of hip-hop. James also discussed what he is currently focused on, which includes being a tattoo artist based out of Los Angeles. So if you know me, you know what that means – more art (which means more saving money)! #afrofuturism #afrofuturismlounge #afropunk (at NewSchool of Architecture & Design) https://www.instagram.com/p/B0JK22gn4ppjS-QACtVC8FocrQYGLdXSoQYjJI0/?igshid=fyf8fx7meck
