The Tanner Humanities Center at the University of Utah will host author Nnedi Okorafor in a virtual conversation with Director Erika George and assistant professor of English Andrew Shephard on Nov. 18 at noon. The discussion will focus on her writing, which she describes as, “Africanfuturism” and “Africanjujuism,” as well as her upcoming novel, “Noor.” The online event is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

“I’ve appreciated reading Okorafor’s fiction and non-fiction writings for her courage and creativity,” said George. “I think it is impossible to read her books and fail to appreciate the power and vulnerability of the characters she creates and the beautiful complexity of the future spaces she imagines. She is a welcome voice exploring technology, identity, culture and community.”

Okorafor’s works include, “Who Fear Death,” which is in development as a series at HBO, the “Binti,” novella trilogy, “The Book of Phoenix,” the “Akata” books and “Lagoon.” She is the winner of Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, Locus and Lodestar awards and her debut novel, “Zahrah the Windseeker,” won the prestigious Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature.

This event is sponsored by O.C Tanner, the National Endowment for the Humanities, Utah Humanities, the Sorenson Legacy Foundation, the Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts & Parks Program, and the University of Utah College of Humanities.