Octavia E. Butler
Octavia Estelle Butler was a groundbreaking African-American science fiction author.
Born in 1947 in Pasadena, she overcame shyness and found solace in writing.
Butler attended community college and honed her craft at writing workshops.
Her unique voice and powerful storytelling earned her both Hugo and Nebula awards.
In 1995, she became the first science fiction writer to receive a MacArthur "Genius" Grant.
Butler's work often explored themes of race, gender, and social issues.
She passed away in 2006 at 58, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence literature and media.
Her papers are preserved at the Huntington Library.
