STOUGHTON, MA Celebrating Black History 365 Days a Year: A New Black History Comic Released.
Author and Historian, Joel Christian Gill, brings an unsung American hero to life in his latest book. Tales of the Talented Tenth, Volume 2 tells the true story of Bessie Stringfield, the Motorcycle Queen of Miami. The new graphic novel is an astonishing tale of heroism, audacity, and the call for adventure.
Stringfield was a pioneer during her lifetime; she rode as a civilian courier for the United States military and founded the Iron Horse Motorcycle Club in Miami, all while confronting and overcoming Jim Crow in every ride. Despite being the first black woman to be inducted into both the American Motorcyclist Association Hall of Fame and the Harley Davidson Hall of Fame, Stringfields amazing story had gone unacknowledged throughout history until now.
"Joel Christian Gill is a modern day graphic griot, said John Jennings, Eisner-nominated comics scholar, award-winning graphic novelist, and Harvard Fellow. His mastery of visual storytelling coupled with his tireless research makes him one of the most important artist/scholars working today."
Gills extensive research is also evident in his previous novels. Stranger Fruits: Uncelebrated Narratives from Black History authentically recounts the lives of nine African-Americans whose sufferings, successes, and contributions to American history are often forgotten. Gills second novel, Tales of the Talented Tenth, Volume 1, tells the story of Bass Reeves, the most successful lawman in the Old West.
"Like Stringfield, Gill asserts himself as a messenger; he is bringing together multiple generations of readers who now have an opportunity to read and view Blackness and Black historical figures anew, said Deborah Elizabeth Whaley, author of Black Women in Sequence: Re-inking Comics, Graphic Novels, and Anime. Through his work, Gill strives to fill in some of the gaps in the fabric of American history and engage audiences from all ages and backgrounds.
In addition to writing and illustrating the lives of unknown African-American heroes, Gill travels the country speaking to groups about why its important to celebrate black history 365 days a year. A nationally recognized speaker, Gill uses the stories of minority peoples to explain that America is so much more than a collection of disparate interest groups.
Gill is available for booking through FUN Enterprises, Inc. To inquire about his services, contact Ken Abrahams, Vice President of Client Relations, at 781.436.3187.
About FUN Enterprises, Inc.
FUN Enterprises, Inc. has provided unique entertainment experiences to corporations, educational institutes, and private parties for the past 20+ years. A full-service events company, FUN Enterprises, Inc. specializes in producing customized items and experiences. The company produces and manages over 100 different programs and performers, including airbrush artists, caricatures, photo and personalized novelties, magicians, comedians, psychics, rides and games, and more.
FUN Enterprises, Inc. also is the exclusive booking agent for multiple public speakers including Michael Miller, Amma Marfo, Joel Christian Gill, and Michele McPhee.
Additional information on all of FUN Enterprises programs, performers, and speakers can be found at [www.funent.com.](http://www.funent.com)
About Joel Christian Gill
Joel Christian Gill is the Chair of Foundations at the New Hampshire Institute of Art and recipient of the 2016 Boston University College of Fine Arts Alumni Award. He wrote the words and drew the pictures in Strange Fruit, Volume 1: Uncelebrated Narratives from Black History and Bass Reeves: Tales of the Talented Tenth, Volume 1. Joel received his MFA from Boston University and a BA from Roanoke College. His secret lair is behind a secret panel in the kitchen of his house (sold separately) in New Boston, New Hampshire, where he lives with his wife, four children, talking dog, and two psychic cats. Visit his website at [http://joelchristiangill.wordpress.com](http://joelchristiangill.wordpress.com/) or connect with him on Twitter (@jcg007).
Gill believes that 28 days are not enough when it comes to Black History. Join the discussion on social media by following Joel's #28DaysAreNotEnough, his call-to-action about Black History.
