Reclaiming the Narrative: Write Yourself In

Confession time: I’m a sci-fi enthusiast. Not just any sci-fi, mind you—I’m talking about the kind of narratives that stretch the mind and challenge the very fabric of reality. Yeah, I know, cue the eyeroll and the stereotype of the IT geek with glasses, hunched over a screen, typing code into the matrix. But let’s be honest, that’s all it is—a stereotype. Sci-fi is so much more than space battles and robots. It’s about imagining worlds that don’t yet exist and daring to dream beyond the limits of what’s been written.

And no one did that better than Octavia E. Butler.

When it comes to reclaiming the narrative, Butler wasn’t just a writer; she was a pioneer who wrote herself into a genre that didn’t even have a seat for her at the table. This Black History Month, as we focus on “Reclaiming the Narrative,” there’s no better trigger than Octavia Butler to remind us why these matters—for all of us. Her influence in modern writing, whether in TV, theatre, or movies, has reshaped storytelling itself, challenging the boundaries of race, gender, and identity.?

Who Was Octavia Butler?

Octavia E. Butler wasn’t just a science fiction writer; she was a trailblazer, a disruptor of norms. Imagine stepping into a genre dominated by white, male voices and saying, “I belong here, and so do others who look like me.” Her novels like Kindred and Parable of the Sower didn’t just bend the rules; they broke them entirely, crafting stories that spoke to power dynamics, societal change, and the complexities of humanity itself.

Butler’s work laid the groundwork for the rise of Afrofuturism, influencing shows like Black Mirror and Lovecraft Country, as well as films like Black Panther. Her influence can be seen in the way these modern pieces challenge traditional narratives, force us to confront our biases, and invite us to consider perspectives outside the mainstream. Her storytelling wasn’t just about otherworldly adventures; it was a call to action for us to write ourselves into the story, to redefine what’s possible.

History’s Smoke Screens and the Power of Storytelling

As we well know, it’s the teller of the story who directs the narrative. History has always belonged to those who hold the pen, crafting versions of events that serve their own interests. For millennia, we have been governed by these historical smoke screens—accounts twisted to control the present and manipulate the future.

Thanks to historians like David Olusoga, these long-held misconceptions are finally being busted wide open. His work, particularly in books like Black and British: A Forgotten History, has been pivotal in challenging the sanitized versions of history that erased or downplayed the contributions of Black people. Olusoga peels back the layers, exposing how history has been edited to fit a narrative that serves power structures rather than truth. And in this current climate you really don't need to look for to see sanitises history unravel for the whole world to see regardless of creed, colour, kith or kin.

The Silent and Stealthy Influence of Privilege

Privilege is a tricky thing. It's built and grown through history and narratives. It doesn’t always shout; sometimes it whispers, embedding itself so deeply in our consciousness that we can’t even hear it. One of the most insidious ways privilege works is by convincing us that we are somehow more deserving, more superior, simply because we have what others lack. It’s a mindset that sneaks in, making us see “the other” as deficient while masking our own sense of entitlement.

Think about it: centuries of inherited wealth—whether financial, educational, or even the privilege of social connections—shape our networks, our opportunities, and our access to the highest levels of society. This wealth isn’t just about money; it’s about knowledge, property, access to elite education etc, and the doors that open because of who and what you know. It creates an invisible hierarchy where the playing field was never level to begin with.

This kind of privilege silently tells us that those who lack these advantages are somehow less capable, less worthy. It’s so embedded in the current psyche that we often don’t recognize how it colours our thoughts and shapes our actions. And when that mindset spreads through generations, it becomes a disease—poverty of the mind—that holds entire communities back, contaminating even those who weren’t originally hampered by it.

Reclaiming the Narrative: A Call to Shake Our Thinking

This is why reclaiming the narrative is so vital. It’s about challenging the privilege that weaves itself into our lives and learning to see the world from perspectives outside our own. We need to be open to those who shake our thinking, those who challenge the norms that comfort us, and those who defy the stereotypes we’ve come to accept as reality.

Examples of Reclaiming the Narrative

Let’s look at some inspiring examples of individuals who have rewritten the narratives about what it means to succeed on their own terms:

Aliko Dangote : As one of the richest people not only in Nigeria but the African continent, Dangote built a multi-billion-dollar empire in manufacturing and cement, defying the Western stereotype that Black success is limited to sports and entertainment. His journey is a testament to the power of reclaiming the narrative, showcasing that African innovation and business acumen have always been part of the global economic landscape.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf : Liberia and Africa’s first elected female head of state, Sirleaf shattered both gender and racial expectations, proving that leadership and resilience are not confined to any one continent. Her work in transforming Liberia into a more stable and democratic nation is a profound example of rewriting the narrative on African governance. [disclaimer: my bias here being one of political systems ~ I am still unpacking what that means]

Luiz Alberto Oliveira: A renowned astrophysicist and science communicator, Oliveira has made significant contributions in theoretical physics and the understanding of cosmology. His presence in the scientific community disrupts the stereotype that science and intellectual pursuits are not for people of African descent in Brazil or even South America itself.

These individuals stand alongside voices like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah, which dismantled the one-dimensional narrative of African identity. They join the ranks of Dr. Timnit Gebru, a leading voice in AI ethics, who demanded accountability from Silicon Valley giants and confronted the biases in technology that threaten to marginalize communities. And let’s not forget Michaela Coel and Jordan Peele, who turned the media and film industries on their heads, using their platforms to reclaim the narrative on race, trauma, and identity.

The Power of Writing Your Own Story

This isn’t just a Black History Month theme; it’s a reminder that narratives shape everything. They define our cultures, our societies, our identities. If you’re not the one holding the pen, someone else is writing your story for you, and chances are, they’re not getting it right.

Reclaiming the Narrative Is for Everyone?

We all have our battles with limiting beliefs. It’s not just a struggle for one community—it’s universal. Whether you’re redefining your career, breaking out of societal expectations, or fighting against that voice in your head telling you

“You’re not enough,”

the act of reclaiming the narrative belongs to all of us.

It’s about asking yourself,

“What story am I telling about my life? And who’s really writing it?”

If you don’t like the plot, pick up your pen and start over. You can’t reclaim what you don’t hold, and it’s time to hold onto your story like never before.

How We Can Help Each Other Reclaim the Narrative

1. Listen and Amplify: Truly listen to the stories of those around you and use your voice to lift theirs. Amplify the narratives that have been silenced or distorted by others.
2. Challenge the Stereotype: Don’t let the labels stick. When you see the world trying to box you or someone else in, call it out. Break the stereotype with your actions, your words, your presence.
3. Create Space for Stories: Whether it’s in a conversation, a project, or a creative endeavor, create spaces where authentic stories can be told. We all have a role to play in making sure everyone’s voice has a platform.

The Legacy of Octavia Butler: Writing Ourselves In

Octavia Butler’s legacy isn’t just about the stories she wrote, it’s about the doors she opened for all of us to tell our own stories. She reminded us that even if the world doesn’t give us a seat at the table, we can build our own table and invite others to join. This Black History Month let’s honor her legacy by refusing to let anyone else dictate our stories.

Because in the end, the pen is mightier than any stereotype, any limitation, any narrow-minded view of who we’re supposed to be. So, pick up the pen. Write your own story. And help others write theirs.

At The Unbounded Life, I’m doing just that—on a journey of growing my own writing and helping seasoned professionals and experienced leaders reclaim their narratives. Join me on Substack where I’m sharing these insights and more, or visit The Unbounded Life’s LinkedIn page.

The narrative —it’s yours to reclaim.