We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aaliyah Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Aaliyah , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
Back in 2017, when I was about ten years old, I innocently was wandering around my grandmothers bedroom. I don’t remember where I exactly found this black wig, maybe it was on the floor, but I decided to put it on. I walked into the living room to find my mom on the couch. I know I did this to get a reaction out of her and it worked! She immediately started to record me on her phone, laughing loudly. The video must be still up somewhere, hopefully locked away inside a vault never to be seen! Eventually from there, I took the magical wig home and the rest is history as they say! Then I didn’t think nothing about wanting this as a profession. It was merely something out of fun. Well, I’m still trying to figure out what I would like to do!
Aaliyah , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Aaliyah Johnson, I’m fifteen years old and a freshmen in high school. I’m an enrolled member of the Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas. I’ve been dancing at Native American powwows since I was one. I’m a monthly contributor to Native Hoop Magazine. I was published in a book called PBS American portrait in June 2021.
I think what I’m most proud of is the fact that I made it this far without quitting. I know that I always go a period of time without uploading to my YouTube channel. It seems like the people I know still watch it even if it’s been a while since I last posted. I’m thankful for that.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
No, I wouldn’t think so. I just want to make people laugh and put a smile on their faces.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Like before, seeing people amused!
Contact Info:
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nativerolanda/
- Youtube: Rolanda J/Native Rolanda
Image Credits
Hope Abbey