Main content

The female sci-fi writer seen as a 鈥榩rophet鈥�

Octavia E Butler grew up in poverty but would go on to become the first sci-fi writer to win the prestigious MacArthur 鈥済enius鈥� award.

She died in 2006 but her books have seen a resurgence with fans claiming they are prophetic and feature characters similar to Donald Trump.

Friend and fellow author Nisi Shawl looks back at Octavia鈥檚 life.

2 minutes

This clip is from

Witness HistoryOctavia E. Butler: Visionary black sci-fi writer

More clips from Witness History

See all clips from Witness History (431)