Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower: Visions of Yesterday and Tomorrow

Special Issue of African and Black Diaspora: an International Journal

The editors invite research articles examining Octavia Butler’s seminal and prophetic novels Parable of the Sower and Parable of the Talents for a special issue of African and Black Diaspora: an International Journal. In addition, the editors are accepting short creative works inspired by Butler’s Parable series. 

Octavia Butler’s seminal and prophetic 1993 novel Parable of the Sower begins in July 2024. Parable of the Talents goes until the mid-2030s. Even though these novels were published in the 1990s, some events may feel familiar, including a politician who wants to make America great again, increased housing insecurity across California, and wildfires ravaging Los Angeles. In recent years, scholars, artists, and educators have spoken about Octavia Butler’s prescience as both books were published in the 1990s and have great resonance today. 

This special issue is a commemoration of the “Parable of the Sower years.” As such, contributions will examine the themes of the novels, consider the applications of Butler’s theories and methods, and make connections to today’s historical and cultural contexts through a Black studies or African diasporic studies lens.  

We seek abstracts for articles that are about the Parable series. Submissions may also include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• Octavia Butler’s life 

• Histofuturism

• Parable series’ connections to womanism and/or Black feminism

• Environmentalism, race, and the Parable series 

• Late stage capitalism 

• Earthseed

Abstracts of no more than 500 words are due by April 1, 2025. Include a short bio (150 words max) and send these to Jasmine Wade (j.wade@csus.edu). Full papers (7,000-9,000 words) and creative works (max 5,000 words) will be due September 15, 2025 through the Journal’s submission portal.