Ariell Johnson Becomes The First Black Female To Open A Comic Book Store On The East Coast

[By: Travon Bracey]

It's no surprise that black woman are taking over the business world with their innovative ideas and well-known appearance. But, what's so appealing about this story is that this new black entrepreneur wanted to change for the world of comics. Ariell Johnson is the first black female to open a comic book store on the east coast. 

I know right? Super awesome for her!

The idea of opening up her own comic book came from a large amount of supporters via Facebook. Aftermath of her favorite coffee shop closure, which she loved to drink coffee and read her comic books at, her idea of opening her very own comic book store started to merge into a viral sensation. 

What does this mean for the artistic community you might say? The comic book store gives an idealism of opening opportunities for independent comic creators, black women, and the LGBT. 

"To not see yourself ever represented as the hero or the protagonist does start wear on your self-esteem and your self-worth because it’s like you’re not valued enough to learn more about or write a story about…Diversity is important because we live in a diverse world and the media that we consume should reflect the reality of the world. It’s healthy to see other people represented because it helps you relate to people" - Ariell Johnson

The shop is called Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse, 2578 Frankford Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125.
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