Octavia’s Influence
By Veronica Daniel
Octavia E. Butler told stories differently. She was a Black woman who authored science fiction stories infused with her experiences and social commentary.
Her work has impacted millions and continues to resonate with readers, creators, entrepreneurs and educators to this day. She’s also a fellow PCC alumni. Here in her hometown of Pasadena you can find the Octavia E. Butler Magnet school and Octavia’s Bookshelf, memorializing and celebrating the legacy of one of the 21st century’s most profound storytellers.
THE MAGNET SCHOOL
While Butler was attending Washington Middle School in the early 1960s the school reflected a sentiment that Black people know all too well. It was racist and segregated even though the law said otherwise. Not many years after she graduated, Supreme court cases which outlawed blatant segregation forced the school into closure as local parents pulled their children after such segregation was removed.
Today, Washington Middle School tells a different story. In fact, it is now known as the Octavia E. Butler Magnet, a dual-language middle school dedicated to diverse students of science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The student body is composed of over 90% students of color. The school allows students who are usually sent to public schools based on area code to apply and be allowed entry if they are interested in any of the programs they provide.Economically disadvantaged students make up 83% of the student population, including many students in the foster care system.
To honor Butler and continue her passion for writing, science and storytelling, the school hosts an annual science fiction writing contest for students, culminating in an annual collected works to be published and shared.
THE BOOKSHELF
Butler has been regarded as the Mother of Afrofuturism, the literary and cultural intersection of Black pride and science fiction. It’s one of the many reasons why Nikki High spent over a decade dreaming of opening a bookstore in honor of her favorite author and inspiration.
After years of planning and reflection, a successful GoFundMe crowdfund, and further motivated by the unexpected passing of her grandmother last year, High quit her job to make Octavia’s Bookshelf a reality. This past February, the shop opened to immense support and fanfare, even drawing the likes of Terry McMillian to its grand opening celebration.
“I’ve been so overwhelmed with all the support that I’ve gotten,” High said. “I hoped that the store would resonate with readers, but it seems like it resonated with people all across the world. I’ve gotten so many positive comments from people outside of Pasadena, but the Pasadena community in particular. They’ve been just dropping by, giving me thumbs up, high fives, and dropping me off lunch.”
You can visit Octavia’s Bookshelf on Hill Avenue six days a week.
