Naseed Gifted

Feature Artist of the Week:

Ariell Johnson, @wind__rider83 founder of Amalgam Comics and Coffeehouse in Philadelphia, @amalgamphilly is the first black female owner of a comic book shop on the East Coast and one of only 5 African-American owned shops in the entire country. At age 11, Ariell discovered Storm from the X-Men, and seeing a comic hero that looked like her sparked a lifelong love of comics that was the cornerstone to opening her own business. She’s worked tirelessly over ten years to create an inclusive, welcoming geek haven and safe space for the community. Today, Amalgam draws in audiences in a wide range of ages, races, and orientations; Arielle hopes that the diverse selection of mainstream and indie comics will inspire a new generation of fans. Arielle was also featured in the @Allstate #worthttelling this month! We are so proud to have Ariell join us for the 3rd Annual Khem comic Book Fest this year on March 18th.

For more info got to khemfest.com #khemfest #art#blackcomics #comics

The Khem Comic Book Fest is an annual convention founded by comic book creator and educator Naseed Gifted in 2014 that features creators of comics, books, film, and other media with a focus on artists and characters of color. The goal of the event is to use comic books, films and popular culture to develop youth literacy and expression through S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology Engineering, Arts and Math). In addition, all proceeds from the Khem Comic Book Fest will go to the Central High School Engineering Academy Program. The event is co-sponsored by PBS Media and Central High School of Newark, NJ.