O ~ Octavia E. Butler

Science fiction author Octavia Butler and her work helped define the literary cornerstone of Afrofuturism - a movement that combines science-fiction, history and fantasy to explore the African-American experience. Her books featured people of color in battles for control against aliens and hybrid species, opening a world of possibilities to readers who had been excluded from the genre.

She is a multiple recipient of both the Hugo and Nebula awards - literary awards given for the best science fiction and fantasy works.

source: cnn.com & wikipedia