The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association (SFWA) has released the results of its 2024 Board of Directors elections in which among the newly elected officials is Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki, an accomplished African science fiction and fantasy writer, who will serve as a Director-at-Large. This, by his own observation on X, is a first as there’s not been an African board member in the organization’s history before now.
In Donald’s words:
“As the premier organization for science fiction and fantasy writers, I always nursed a desire to be a member. From when it was the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and representation for people like myself was scant. I’m happy to have over the years been able to sell enough stories at pro rates to qualify for membership, pay the dues, edit and publish other African writers at pro rates and give them the opportunity to qualify and join as well. I’m overjoyed to now be able to be elected to the board as a director, after attaining full membership, and will continue to strike to make it more diverse, and Science Fiction and Fantasy, all speculative fiction, more global and inclusive”
Founded in 1965 by Damon Knight under the name Science Fiction Writers of America which was later changed to the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association, commonly known as SFWA is a nonprofit organization of professional science fiction and fantasy writers. While SFWA is based in the United States, its membership is open to writers worldwide. In accordance with the society’s mission which is informing science fiction and fantasy writers on professional matters, protecting their interests, SFWA informs, supports, promotes, defends and advocates for its members.
Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki (born 19 January) is a Nigerian speculative fiction writer, editor and publisher who is the first African-born Black author to win a Nebula Award. He’s also received a World Fantasy Award, British Fantasy Award, Otherwise Award, and two Nommo Awards along with being a multi-time finalist for a number of other honors including the Hugo Award. Ekpeki frequently writes about inequality and other issues related to both colonization and decolonization. He also coined the term afro-pantheology, which is a distinct genre of speculative fiction conceived to capture the gamut of African works which, though having fantasy elements, are additionally imbued with African spiritual realities.
Find more information about the new board members here.
Congratulations, Donald!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
