CULTURAL FREEDOM: THE EVOLUTION OF AFRO-PUNK

words by Ayanna Nubia Ferguson l images by Phil Knott

In 2003, James Spooner and Matthew Morgan released their documentary Afro-Punk which follows the lives of young people who subscribe to the punk lifestyle. It shows how the duality of living in the punk scene as a person of color can be lonely and disconnecting. But it also offers a chance for self expression.

Since then, Morgan and Spooner have built a collective force which produces music festivals, performances, films, literature and provides an online hub for people engaged in the punk lifestyle and other subcultures. The common thread of AP defies assumptions about the Black experience, attracting skate boarders, BMX riders, surfers, ink masters, bohemians, piercing savants, and hipsters.''

There is no formula or protocol for Afro-Punk. This very concept allows it to transcend styles and trends and continue to move light years into the future. Afro-Punk is a community which sees and welcomes diversity and individuality, and affirms members for who they are, what they are and what they choose to represent.

“Within our community as a whole, I'd like to think we helped to form the notion that being different is cool. Not only looking good but thinking good thoughts, being smart and not being content with the status quo,” explains Morgan.. “I felt like Black people stopped wanting to be different for a while and we were content with the homogenization of our culture, fortunately things have changed.”

The 8th Annual Afro-Punk festival runs August 25-26 at Commodore Barry Park in Brooklyn. The line-up includes Erykah Badu, Gym Class Heroes, Janelle Monae and others.

A full version of this essay will appear in the next print issue of HYCIDE, which celebrates its one-year anniversary at MoCADA (the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art) in Brooklyn on Sept. 7.