DeJuan Strickland, a freshman at St. Louis University High School, is making waves in the comic book world with his self-published series “Tech Boy” and “Science Girl.” Not only is he creating diverse superheroes, but he’s also using his platform to address the issue of school lunch debt.
DeJuan Strickland, a 15-year-old freshman at St. Louis University High School, has always dreamed of creating his own comic book hero. In 2021, he turned that dream into reality by self-publishing his first comic book, “Tech Boy.” Inspired by the lack of positive Black representation in mainstream media, Strickland wanted to create characters that young Black readers could relate to and see themselves in. Now, with the release of his second comic book, “Science Girl,” Strickland is continuing his mission to diversify the world of comics. But his ambitions don’t stop there. Strickland is also using his platform to address the issue of school lunch debt, ensuring that no child has to go hungry while at school.
A Spark Ignited by “Black Panther”
Strickland’s passion for creating his own comic book series was ignited after watching the movie “Black Panther.” Inspired by Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of the Black superhero, Strickland realized the importance of representation in media. He recognized the lack of positive Black characters in movies, TV shows, and books, and decided to take matters into his own hands. Strickland was determined to create a comic book series that featured strong Black protagonists.
From Idea to Book: The Journey of “Tech Boy” and “Science Girl”
Strickland had the idea for his comic book series for a long time and shared it with his mother. Encouraged by her support, Strickland embarked on the journey of turning his idea into a reality. However, he soon realized that self-publishing a comic book required financial resources. With the help of the pandemic stimulus check, Strickland was able to fund the illustrations, barcodes, and other expenses associated with publishing his books. The support he received from his community has been overwhelming, and Strickland is grateful for the opportunity to bring his characters to life.
STEM Heroes: “Tech Boy” and “Science Girl”
Strickland’s love for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) played a significant role in shaping his characters. His exposure to coding through the Color Coded Kids program sparked his interest in STEM fields. Strickland wanted to incorporate his passion for science and technology into his comic book series. Thus, “Tech Boy” and “Science Girl” were born. These characters possess powers related to technology, science, and biochemistry, reflecting Strickland’s own fascination with these subjects.
Representation in the Classroom
Strickland believes that his comic books have a place in the classroom. As a child, he struggled to see himself represented in the characters he encountered in libraries. Strickland wants his readers, especially children, to see themselves in his characters and recognize their own superhero potential. By featuring diverse and relatable protagonists, Strickland aims to inspire young readers and instill a sense of empowerment.
Tackling School Lunch Debt
Strickland’s desire to address school lunch debt stems from a personal experience in fourth grade when he couldn’t afford to pay for his school lunch. Witnessing his classmates enjoy their meals while he went hungry left a lasting impact on him. Strickland realized that not all children have the means to pay off their lunch debts, and he wanted to make a difference. Through his initiative called Team Tech Boy Lunch Heroes, Strickland raises funds to offset negative lunch balances, ensuring that no child has to experience the same feeling of hunger and exclusion that he did. He has also created a pool of money that schools can draw from to cover the cost of lunches for students in need.
Conclusion:
DeJuan Strickland, a talented and compassionate teenager, is making waves in the comic book world. Through his self-published series “Tech Boy” and “Science Girl,” he is providing much-needed representation for Black readers and inspiring young minds. Strickland’s dedication to eliminating school lunch debt demonstrates his commitment to social justice and ensuring that every child has access to a nutritious meal. With his superhero creations and philanthropic efforts, Strickland is proving that anyone can make a difference, regardless of their age. As he continues his journey as a comic book creator and advocate for change, the impact of his work will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
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