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Octavia E. Butler: Visionary black sci-fi writer
The visionary African American science-fiction writer Octavia Butler had a vivid imagination. She won multiple Hugos and Nebulas - top awards for sci-fi writing.
In 1995, Octavia E Butler became the first author to receive a MacArthur “genius” award for science fiction writing.
From a young age she dreamed of writing books, but faced many challenges, including poverty, sexism and racism in the publishing industry.
She died aged 58 in 2006. Alex Collins speaks to her friend and fellow author Nisi Shawl.
(Photo: Octavia E. Butler. Credit: Getty Images)
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Tue 7 Mar 202303:50GMT
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The female sci-fi writer seen as a ‘prophet’
Duration: 02:01
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- Mon 6 Mar 202308:50GMTBBC World Service
- Mon 6 Mar 202312:50GMTBBC World Service
- Mon 6 Mar 202318:50GMTBBC World Service except East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa
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- Tue 7 Mar 202300:50GMTBBC World Service South Asia
- Tue 7 Mar 202303:50GMTBBC World Service except South Asia
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