Khem Comic Fest 2017 Celebrates ‘People Of Color’ In Essex County, N.J.

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The halls of Central High School in Newark will play host to one of Essex County’s coolest annual comic book events on March 18: the Khem Comic Book Fest.

The Khem Comic Book Fest is an annual convention that features creators of comics, books, film, and other media with a focus on “artists and characters of color,” something that is sorely needed in the area, according to organizer Naseed Gifted.

“Many Greater Newark area residents don’t get the opportunity to experience, meet and take part in a comic book convention,” said Gifted, the writer and creator of P.B. Soldier, an independently produced graphic novel series starring an African-American protagonist.

• See related article: Black Comic Book Creator Hopes To Promote Diversity With ‘P.B. Soldier’

But if you get the impression that the Khem Comic Fest is just for minorities, think again.

“Our festival is for everyone,” Gifted asserted, adding that the festival is “a diverse networking event for professionals” and a place for comic book fans to appreciate the contributions of people of color to their favorite artistic medium.

The day-long festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 18 at Central High School at 246 Eighteenth Avenue in Newark. Learn more and purchase tickets here.

The event includes many of the typical comic book festival attractions, such as workshops, a vendor marketplace, a comic book library and panel discussions with industry professionals.

Admission is $10 for adults and free for children. All proceeds from the Khem Comic Book Fest will go to the Central High School Engineering Academy Program, organizers said.

Special Guests include:

• Khalil Maasi (The Chappelle Show, Marvel’s Luke Cage)
• Roy Okupe (The Legend of Wale Williams)
• TJ Sterling (Okemus)
• Micheline Hess (Malice In Ovenland)
• MSHINDO KUUMBA (Indigo)
• Akinseye Brown (Sokoya Comics)

Those interested in becoming a sponsor, volunteer or purchasing tickets to attend can contact the organization through their website www.khemfest.com, or can email the festival director, Naseed Gifted at khemfest@gmail.com.

• See related article: 2016 Newark High School Comic Fest Highlights 'People Of Color'

Photo courtesy of Naseed Gifted; Artwork by TJ Sterling and RAE Comics

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