6th annual AfroCon celebrates representation in nerd culture in Omaha
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Saturday, the House of Afros, Capes & Curls hosted the 6th annual AfroCon at Metropolitan Community College. The love of fantasy, gaming and Afrofuturism was celebrated at the annual convention.
Dressed as their favorite character, attendees played games, participated in panels, listened to guest speakers and more. This year’s convention theme was; the future is now.
“This year more than any other year, knowing that there is a bright future to look forward to,” said House board member Wayne Brown. “Knowing that tomorrow is going to better than yesterday is a big part of these events. So folks can come in and think about their future because when we are thinking about the future, we can design it.”
Brown has seen the event continue to grow since its first year.
“The number of folks who have attended, the number of people who have understood what it means to come here and express yourselves,” explained Brown. “We are on a trajectory now to really create a good space for play and activity and for family fun.”
Representation in nerd culture is important.
“To be able to see a hero on screen that not only kids of color can look at but when you see a little white kid in a Black Panther costume you’re like I think we might have done something there," said Brown. “But its even more important for that little black kid to see they can be a hero too.”
Inclusion is a big part of AfroCon. The event is a place for people to share their interest in sci-fi, fantasy, comics, gaming and more with folks just like them. Over the years, nerd culture has made its way into the mainstream, opening the door for more people of color to enter the space.
Jade Rogers, founder of the House, says seeing more people like her in this fashion is important.
“Even at the age I am, I’m still excited at the fact that now I see those people doing that thing in a fantasy world I’ve always dreamed of seeing,“ said Rogers. ”You can see it written in the words, you can imagine those things, but to see it, does something different and it expresses something different to all ages of people."
Michaela Bradley has been a convention attendee for three years. She says growing up, peers within her community weren’t as interested in nerdy things like she is.
“There was, like, a certain subset of friends that you could have and you either had to keep that to yourself or that was just going to be your thing, your title,” said Bradley. “Now I can hang out here and then be perfectly be fine at the office and be fine with another group of folks, I don’t there is that stigma”
Bradley says now things are a bit more accepting, seeing younger generations embrace the things she loved as a kid has been inspiring.
”I think it could lead to a lot of different things if we keep it up and then always work on the positive aspect of it," said Bradley. “I think it will lead to more open generations down the road.“
Nick Rivers created the art for this years convention. He says not many people attribute nerd culture with people of color.
“Sometimes we are put in a very narrow box,” said Rivers. “But there are nerds of all cultures and we should feel celebrated and be able to see ourselves represented in the media we enjoy so much.”
This convention allows him to pass along his love of art to the younger generation. Recently he published a book with characters based off his nephews. “Its the ultimate way of seeing representation because I get to see some of my family looking back at me through my characters so its a pretty cool thing.”
The House of Afros, Capes, and Curls have a youth program as well. Through it, kids who attended the event in previous years, get the chance to host a booth at the convention to share and sell their creations.
Organizers hope to continue growing AfroCon for years to come.
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