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 January 15, 1975) is an American artist, teacher, and writer. He is known for creating graphic novels, which are like long comic books. His books often share important but less known stories from Black history.

Some of his popular graphic novels include Strange Fruit Vol I, Bass Reeves: Tales of the Talented Tenth No.1, and Bessie Stringfield: Tales of the Talented Tenth, No. 2. He also wrote a picture book called "Fast Enough: Bessie Stringfield's First Ride." His memoir, Fights: One Boy's Triumph Over Violence, tells a personal story about overcoming challenges.

Mr. Gill has taught art, illustration, and comics at the New Hampshire Institute of Art. In 2019, he became a professor at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. He is also working on a graphic novel version of Dr. Ibram X. Kendi's book, Stamped from the Beginning.

Early Life and Education

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

Career as an Author and Educator

Mr. Gill's graphic novels are very popular. They highlight important African-Americans and their contributions to American history. Because of his successful work, he is often featured in newspapers and interviewed on TV and radio. He also gives talks at comic conventions and colleges across the U.S.

He has written for the Huffington Post. In his writings, he has suggested that achievements of African-Americans should be included in all American history, not just during Black History Month. Mr. Gill is also a member of the Boston Comics Roundtable, a group for comic creators.

Awards and Recognitions

In 2016, Joel Christian Gill received a special award from Boston University. His books have also won several honors.