Joel Christian Gill facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joel Christian Gill
Gill at Dink Comics and Art Expo 2016
Born	(1975-01-15) January 15, 1975 (age 50) Roanoke, Virginia
Alma mater	Roanoke College Boston University

Joel Christian Gill, born on January 15, 1975, in Roanoke, Virginia, is a talented American cartoonist and teacher. He is known for writing and illustrating many graphic novels. These books often share important stories from history.

Some of his well-known graphic novels include Strange Fruit Vol I: Uncelebrated Narratives from Black History and Strange Fruit Vol II: More Uncelebrated Narratives from Black History. He also wrote Bass Reeves: Tales of the Talented Tenth No.1 and Bessie Stringfield: Tales of the Talented Tenth, No. 2. Gill also created a picture book called "Fast Enough: Bessie Stringfield's First Ride." His memoir, Fights: One Boys Triumph Over Violence, tells a story about how kids can overcome tough experiences.

Besides writing, Gill has taught art, illustration, and comics. He was once the head of the Comic Arts and Foundations programs at the New Hampshire Institute of Art. In 2019, he became an Associate Professor of Illustration at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. In 2020, he started working on a graphic novel version of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's book, Stamped from the Beginning a Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America.

Early Life and Education

Joel Christian Gill studied art in college. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art from Roanoke College. Later, in 2004, he received a Master of Fine Arts degree in Painting from Boston University.

Career as a Creator and Teacher

Gill's graphic novels are very popular. They highlight the stories of African Americans who made important contributions to American history. Many of these stories are not widely known. Because of his successful books, Gill is often featured in newspapers and interviewed on TV and radio. He also gives talks at comic conventions and colleges across the United States.

Gill has also shared his ideas about Black History Month. He believes that the achievements of African Americans should be part of the larger story of American history all year long. He is also a member of the Boston Comics Roundtable, a group for comic artists.

Awards and Recognitions

Joel Christian Gill has received several awards for his work. In 2016, Boston University honored him with a Distinguished Alumni Award. This award recognized his achievements since graduating.

His books have also won important recognitions.