Radical Imagination: An Afrofuturism and Creative Aging Program for Black Women's Brain Health and Wellness

Abstract

Intersectional oppression and invisibility are primary drivers of cognitive and mental health disparities that affect Black women's wellness. Older Black women additionally experience compounding effects of ageism, which may place them at increased risk for a decline in cognitive functioning and mental wellness. To date, limited strengths-based, culturally relevant programming has focused on aging Black women. Fewer have incorporated Black women elders into conversations on Black liberation and the transformational change needed to create possible futures rooted in equity, healing, and health. This manuscript describes the inception and development of Radical Imagination, a creative aging program for Black women in the San Francisco Bay Area. Over ten weeks, 42 Black women (M age = 73.6, SD = 6.20; range: 58-85 years old) participated in the program, which incorporated brain and mental health education, art-making, storytelling, and photography. Grounded in principles of Afrofuturism and radical healing, participants explored past narratives of Black women and created a collective vision for a future that centers on Black women's needs. Approximately 54.8% of participants attended more than one workshop. Upon program completion, exit surveys indicated that participants reported a moderate level of hopefulness about their ability to shape the future. Respondents reported overall satisfaction with the workshop series. We conclude with reflections on our process and recommendations for ways to support aging Black women using Afrofuturism and the arts.

Keywords: Afrofuturism; Black women; Radical Imagination; brain health; community engagement; creative aging; intersectionality.

Figure 1

Sample pages from the Radical Imagination printed workbook used weekly by participants.

Figure 2

Artwork created by participants: (a) Collage on 11-inch × 17-inch canvas, photocopied newspaper, magazine clippings, cardstock, and acrylic; (b) gold foil, cardstock, and appliques on glass.

Figure 3

Radical Imagination participants visit the Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco exhibit Rest Our Eyes.

Figure 4

Behind the scenes of the photoshoot, The Other Side of Time, with photographer Austin James.

Figure 5

Logic model of Radical Imagination activities, impacts, and outcomes resulting from exit interview survey analysis. Solid arrows indicate relationships that were shared by participants in the exit interview and dashed arrows reflect hypothesized relationships. Short-term outcomes reflect proximal relationships that were articulated by participants in the exit interview; intermediate and long-term outcomes (dashed) are hypothesized.