We had the good fortune of connecting with William Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi William, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My biggest inspiration for starting my own business was/is my father. He is self made man that always emphasized creating, building, and doing for self. I found myself looking to start a business of my own but was not sure what to do. Once I realized that it lied within myself it became easy. I turned to the things that I enjoyed and motivated me. I have always enjoyed history (especially the history of Black people around the world) and have always enjoyed comic books, sci-fi, fantasy, etc. It was the blending of those two worlds that became nucleus of my business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been told that I have the ability to synthesize complicated concepts and information and make it plain. I enjoy being able to educate myself so that I can educate and inform others. Learning and sharing information continues to excite me this day. Once I fully embraced and recognized my passions and strengths things became relatively easy for me. I believe that we are most stressed when we go against our purpose and our being.

In 2016 I wrote my first book, “The Ex-Con, Voodoo Priest, Goddess, and the African King” which examines and analyzes the history and portrayal of Black comic book characters. The Afrofuturism Network also offers consultation for educators, film makers, authors, and comic book creators.  Our services include (but is not limited to) workshops, research, and curriculum development.

I have learned that to be successful you must finish what you start and to know the difference between quitting and walking away from things, opportunities, and people. One choice, quitting, keeps you up at night and walking away allows you to sleep soundly.

I want the world to know that The Afrofuturism Network is committed to building a creative community to strengthen the Black community and to build a better future using the power of creativity and the discipline of education and scholarship. The AFN is dedicated to preserving our history and disseminating information that will aid us in reaching our full potential and combatting the negative imagery that we are inundated with on a daily basis.

I am most proud of my ability to grow and succeed in an environment that was constructed to stop me and people that look like me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I currently live in the DC area so my first stop would be the African American History Museum in DC. U Street would be the place to visit for some good food and music. DC also has some great murals throughout the city that I would show you. I really enjoy reading and libraries so we’d have to visit the Library of Congress and a visit to Sankofa Bookstore is a must. The art and architecture of DC is fascinating so we’d have to check out the National Mall. Lastly, we would visit Georgetown Waterfront Park to relax and get a great view.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family and friends. They have been incredibly supportive in my journey, I would not be able to do what I do without them.

Website: Afrofuturismnet.com

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