Join us for a United We Stand program on Humanities at Play with Dr. Briana Whiteside, Assistant Professor of English at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. During the first hour of our live stream, we will play Tales of Kenzera: ZAU while discussing science fiction, Afrofuturism, African American literature, and more. The second hour of our program will consist of an interactive Q&A and interview where we will learn more about her research and work on topics including, but not limited to, Black women’s narratives, the writings of Octavia Butler, and artificial intelligence.

Dr. Briana Whiteside is an entrepreneur, author, public speaker, and Assistant Professor of English at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She specializes in African American literature, science fiction, popular culture, black women’s narratives, and artificial intelligence. With a background in American Literature and a Ph.D. in English focusing on African American Literature, her research explores the dynamic relationships between speculative fiction, spirituality, societal norms, and cultural critique. She has published in esteemed academic journals and magazines, examining the representation of spirituality and technology and its intersections with gender, race, and identity.

Humanities at Play explores and showcases the significance of the humanities in everyday life through games, media, and popular culture. Join us for dynamic and interactive online and in-person events designed to spark thoughtful conversation and reflection. Learn more at nevadahumanities.org/humanities-at-play.

This program is made possible by funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the United We Stand: Connecting Through Culture initiative.