# Radical Imagination: An Afrofuturism and Creative Aging Program for Black Women’s Brain Health and Wellness

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a program called Radical Imagination that uses Afrofuturism and creative arts to improve brain health and wellness for aging Black women.

## Contribution

The paper presents a novel, culturally relevant program combining Afrofuturism and creative aging for Black women’s wellness.

## Key findings

- 42 Black women aged 58–85 participated in a 10-week program focused on brain health and creative expression.
- Participants reported moderate hopefulness about shaping their future and overall satisfaction with the program.
- The program highlights the potential of Afrofuturism and the arts in supporting aging Black women’s mental wellness.

## Abstract

Intersectional oppression and invisibility are primary drivers of cognitive and mental health disparities that affect Black women’s wellness. Older Black women additionally experience compounding effects of ageism, which may place them at increased risk for a decline in cognitive functioning and mental wellness. To date, limited strengths-based, culturally relevant programming has focused on aging Black women. Fewer have incorporated Black women elders into conversations on Black liberation and the transformational change needed to create possible futures rooted in equity, healing, and health. This manuscript describes the inception and development of Radical Imagination, a creative aging program for Black women in the San Francisco Bay Area. Over ten weeks, 42 Black women (M age = 73.6, SD = 6.20; range: 58–85 years old) participated in the program, which incorporated brain and mental health education, art-making, storytelling, and photography. Grounded in principles of Afrofuturism and radical healing, participants explored past narratives of Black women and created a collective vision for a future that centers on Black women’s needs. Approximately 54.8% of participants attended more than one workshop. Upon program completion, exit surveys indicated that participants reported a moderate level of hopefulness about their ability to shape the future. Respondents reported overall satisfaction with the workshop series. We conclude with reflections on our process and recommendations for ways to support aging Black women using Afrofuturism and the arts.