This Day in Black History: June 22, 1947

Science-fiction writer Octavia Butler was born.

Posted: 06/22/2012 11:53 AM EDT
Olivia Butler

Award-winning science fiction writer Octavia Butler was born on July 22, 1947, in Pasadena, California.


Butler is the arguably the most popular African-American science fiction writer, earning acclaim for novels such as Kindred and Parable of the Sower. Her stories feature African-American heroines and explore themes on sexual identity and racial conflict within the genre of science fiction. She is the first and only science fiction writer to receive a “genius grant” from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.


She died in 2006 at age 58.


BET National News - Keep up to date with breaking news stories from around the nation, including headlines from the hip hop and entertainment world. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. 

Videos You May Like

(Photo: Chicago Tribune/MCT/Landov)

Comments

African-Americans on Forbes Most Powerful Women List 2013

See where Michelle Obama, Oprah and others rank. 05/23/2013

The 411 on Seasonal Allergies

What you need to know about allergies. 05/22/2013

How You Can Help the Victims in Oklahoma

The Red Cross, Salvation Army and more ways to give. 05/21/2013

Out and About: Jaden Smith Goes to Dinner in London

Plus pics of Rita Ora, Janet Jackson, MJB and more. 05/24/2013

The Rundown: French Montana, Excuse My French

A track-by-track review of the Bronx rapper's debut LP. 05/20/2013

Bump Watch: Celebrity Pregnancy Denials

Bey, Brandy and other stars plagued by baby rumors. 05/21/2013