Butler, Octavia E.

1947-2006 · Contribution: 1979-1995

Literature & Writing

First science fiction writer to receive a MacArthur Fellowship; author of 'Kindred,' one of the first works of science fiction to directly address American slavery

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Literature & Writing

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Quick facts

Born
1947-2006
Category
Literature & Writing

Impact on the world

Butler transformed science fiction by centering Black women and confronting slavery, power, and survival, expanding what the genre could imagine and whom it could be about.

An alternative history

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Sources

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    Smithsonian Magazine

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