Ariell Johnson
Ariell Johnson | |
---|---|
Born | 1983 |
Nationality | American |
Education | Temple University (BBA) |
Occupation | Comic book retailer |
Known for | Amalgam Comics and Coffeehouse |
Ariell Johnson is a business owner and accountant and is the first African-American to own a
Early life and education
Johnson was born in
As a child, Johnson recalls seeing the superhero Storm on television, which was "the first black woman heroine that [she] ever laid eyes on". Wanting to learn more about the character, she began reading comics.[5]
Career
Johnson opened Amalgam Comics and Coffeehouse in Kensington, Philadelphia in 2015. At the time of the store opening, there were only 5 comic stores in the country owned by African-Americans.[6] Johnson emphasizes that "all are welcome" in her store, citing her own experiences shopping as a comic fan driving her to open Amalgam in the first place: "You feel scrutinized being the only person that looks like you."[7]
The East Coast Black Age of Comics (ECBACC) closed out its 2016 convention in Amalgam Comics.[6] In 2017, Johnson received a grant from the Knight Foundation to add programming space to the store where she could offer classes and other resources to assist aspiring comic book creators.[3]
Amalgam Comics and Coffeehouse closed its storefront in October of 2022 due to the loss of business from the COVID-19 pandemic. Johnson is hopeful to reopen a physical store in the future, citing the closure and re-opening of St. Mark's Comics in New York City as inspiration.[8]
Awards and recognition
- In 2016, Johnson was depicted on a variant cover of the November issue of Invincible Iron Man #1 featuring Riri Williams[9]
- In 2016, Johnson was nominated for Philadelphia's "Geek of the Year" award for offering "an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for geeks of all kinds"[10]
- In 2019, Johnson was awarded the "Jerry Clark Making a Difference Award" by the Anti-Defamation League in recognition of her efforts to make communities "more respectful, inclusive, and welcoming"[11]
- In 2020, Johnson was awarded the "Equitable Entrepreneur Award" by the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations[12]
References
- ^ Ayana, Jones (19 March 2019). "Women's resource center awards $350K to spark diverse small business growth in Philly". WHYY. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
- ^ McCutcheon, Lauren (25 January 2016). "Meet The Disruptor: Ariell Johnson". The Philadelphia Citizen. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
- ^ ISBN 9781682751688. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
- ^ Sharp, Elliot (17 January 2018). "The Amazing Adventure of Transforming a Comic Book Shop into a University". Temple University. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
- ^ King, Candace (7 January 2016). "First Black Woman to Open Philly Comic Shop Talks Diversity". NBCNews.com. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
- ^ CNN Money. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
- ISBN 9780804040839. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
- ^ Champagne, Christine (6 June 2023). "Can the comic book shop survive?". Activision Blizzard. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
- ^ "Groundbreaking Female Comic Book Store Owner Now Appears on a Marvel Cover". ABC News. 25 October 2016. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
- ^ "Ariell Johnson". PhillyGeekAwards.com. 2016. Archived from the original on 18 August 2022. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
- ^ Bennett, Nax (30 May 2019). "Philadelphia Business Owner Wins ADL Award For Inclusivity". Patch Media. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
- ^ "2020 Virtuala: Virtual Gala & Awards Ceremony". PACDC.org. 25 June 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2024.