Trayvon 2.0: A Creative Science Fiction Response

The hunt and murder of Trayvon Martin seems like a fictionalized scene from a teen dystopian novel similar to the Hunger Games. The only problem is that this scene is real.  I’ve been keeping up with the news on this case and I am both horrified and enraged.  My feelings stem from two fronts, one because I am Black and the other because I am a mother.  The injustice boils.

During the last three weeks, I have been planning my son’s graduation from high school. My husband and I have been so proud of his accomplishments.  He’s been accepted to several colleges, but we are especially proud of his acceptance to Morehouse College. It’s almost ironic that I’ve been planning for my child to become a legacy at the most prestigious institution for Black males in the world and Trayvon’s family has been planning a funeral as well as dealing with injustice and institutionalized racism.  My heart, soul, and prayers go out to Trayvon’s parents, family, friends, and loved ones. I stand with them in understanding and solidarity. 

My son and I have talked about this situation and what we might do to help as well as support.  The injustice hurts, cuts. But, there’s something deeper here. Something deeper than seeking justice. What’s deeper? Eradicating the racial superiority mindset that put the thoughts in motion.  How do we do that?  I and other Black speculative fiction writers have discussed the power and impact of this genre on setting an agenda or dream for the future.  I truly believe that science fiction has the ability to change mindsets in our society. 

In fact, I’m making it my business to use my science fiction writing to expose that paternalistic and racial superiority complex that hunted Trayvon down like he was a character in Hunger Games.  I’m really pushing hard for other SciFi and FFP authors to desegregate their fictionalized worlds and tackle those tough issues that deal with the –isms. It’ll make a better world for us all. 

I wrote the Mathematical Genius for the State of Black SciFi 2012. It’s a short about a teen African-American male who has an innate ability to solve mathematical equations through basketball. I’ve reworked the story to include a hoodie to show support for Trayvon Martin.   If you’d like to read the updated version, I've included it at the end of this post in the comments section. 

What I’d like is for people (writers or readers of SciFi) to be a part of the racial healing that needs to take place by posting a creative science fiction, paranormal, futuristic, or speculative fiction piece.  Together we can stimulate a new futuristic mindset and eradicate that painful, prejudicial and racist one. I’m asking that posts be a part of the speculative fiction genre and include either a young black male with a hoodie or a young white male who overcomes his racial superiority complex.  I’m even open for posters to add both.  Posts should be about 450 words or less. I'm calling this creative SciFi endeavor, Trayvon 2.0.

I’m asking for help to make this response to what happened to Trayvon huge. Please post something, tweet/retweet #blackscifi2012 or #trayvon 2.0 and share it with SciFi writers, readers, family members, and friends.  We’ve got to do something to stimulate change. I love you all!

RIP Trayvon Martin. RIP.

Let the healing begin with Trayvon 2.0…