A Poetic Study of Afropessimism

The Office of Student Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and UHURU BSU presents “A Poetic Study of Afropessimism,” by Zorina Exie Frey. Frank B. Wilderson III’s theory of Afropessimism, as defined in his  memoir, “Afropessimism,” is layered in various analyses. Some of these interpretations align with many black thinkers throughout time whose work reflects the Black Diaspora and Afrofuturism. Other interpretations of Wilderson’s theory contrast the idea of black progress. A closer look at poetic forms from Wilderson and other poets will provide a clearer understanding of what Afropessimism is and is not.